SRES 96 IS 106th CONGRESS
1st Session

S. RES. 96

Expressing the sense of the Senate regarding a peaceful process of self-determination in East Timor, and for other purposes.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

May 5, 1999

Mr. LEAHY (for himself, Mr. FEINGOLD, Mr. REED, Mr. HARKIN, Mr. MCCONNELL, Mr. MOYNIHAN, and Mr. KOHL) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of the Senate regarding a peaceful process of self-determination in East Timor, and for other purposes.

Whereas United Nations-sponsored negotiations between the Governments of Indonesia and Portugal have resulted in significant and encouraging progress toward a resolution of East Timor's political status;

Whereas on January 27, 1999, President Habibie expressed a willingness to consider independence for East Timor if a majority of the East Timorese reject autonomy in a planned August 8, 1999, ballot organized by the United Nations;

Whereas despite President Habibie's efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution of the political status of East Timor, the arming of anti-independence militias by some members of the Indonesian military has contributed to increased political tension and violence;

Whereas since January 1999, violence and human rights abuses by anti-independence militias has increased dramatically resulting in the displacement of thousands of East Timorese villagers and scores of deaths;

Whereas since March 1999, hundreds of civilians may have been killed, injured, or disappeared in separate attacks by anti-independence militias;

Whereas there are also reports of killings of anti-independence militia members;

Whereas the killings in East Timor should be fully investigated and the individuals responsible brought to justice;

Whereas access to East Timor by international human rights monitors, humanitarian organizations is severely limited, and members of the press have been threatened; and

Whereas a stable and secure environment in East Timor is necessary for a free and fair ballot on East Timor's political status:

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that--

(1) the United States should promptly contribute to the United Nations Trust Fund which will provide support for the East Timor ballot process;

(2) the President, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Defense should intensify their efforts to urge the Indonesian Government and military to--

(A) disarm and disband anti-independence militias; and

(B) grant full access to East Timor by international human rights monitors, humanitarian organizations, and the press;

(3) the President, after consultation with the United Nations Secretary General, should report to the Congress not later than 15 days after passage of this Resolution, on steps taken by the Indonesian Government and military to ensure a stable and secure environment in East Timor, including those steps described in subparagraphs (2) (a)and (b); and

(4) any agreement for the sale, transfer, or licensing of any military equipment for Indonesia entered into by the United States should state that the equipment will not be used in East Timor.