For Immediate Release
September 9, 1999
Contact: Jim Farrell or Andy McDonald (202) 224-8440
Wellstone Calls for Halt of U.S. Trade Assistance to Indonesia
Cites Brutal Violence Against East Timor
Senator Paul Wellstone called upon President Clinton today to order
U.S. trade agencies to halt activity in Indonesia, citing the brutal
violence occurring in East Timor. At a joint hearing of Senate and House
subcommittees, Wellstone said it was crucial that the U.S. make it clear
to Indonesia that we are serious about ending the repression and violence.
"Indonesia's elites and its government depend deeply upon the
loans, loan guarantees, political risk insurance and other financial
instruments provided by the U.S. government to spur direct foreign
investments there. I am calling on President Clinton to order the Overseas
Private Investment Corporation, the Ex-Im Bank, and the Trade Development
Agency to cease all investment support activity in Indonesia immediately.
This is something the President can do without waiting for Congressional
approval, and it will go a long way to focus the concentration of the
Indonesian rulers," Wellstone said.
"I believe that if the Indonesian government does not immediately
take steps to stop the carnage in East Timor, the United States must use
any and all of its economic leverage with that government, until a safe
and secure environment is restored," Wellstone said.
Return to Congressional Action on East Timor:
Statements, etc.
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