US Congress Urged to Support Democracy in E.Timor
Tom Lantos House Committee on International Relations Ranking Democratic Member
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 14, 2001
FOR INFORMATION CALL: Matt Gobush - +1
(202) 225-6735
LANTOS URGES CONGRESS TO SUPPORT DEMOCRACY IN EAST TIMOR, CALLS FOR $30 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL BILATERAL ASSISTANCE
Congressman Tom Lantos (D-California), Ranking Democratic Member of the House International Relations Committee, today
introduced the "East Timor Transition to Independence Act." This legislation would support democracy-building efforts in
East Timor and assist the East Timorese people prepare for independence through $30 million in financial support and
through other assistance. The bill is co-sponsored by 24 Members of Congress, including Representatives Patrick Kennedy
(D-Rhode Island), Chris Smith (R-New Jersey), and Mark Kirk (R-Illinois). Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Massachusetts) also
plans to introduce similar legislation in the Senate soon.
"Eighteen months ago, the people of East Timor lived in fear. Having voted overwhelming for independence, they suffered
violent persecution at the hands of rampaging militias aided and abetted by the Indonesian military. Today, their fear
has been replaced with hope, thanks in part to strong leadership by the United States, Australia, Portugal, the World
Bank, and the United Nations. By playing an important role in the diplomatic effort to end the violence and by
supporting international efforts to secure the peace, the United States and our international partners helped give
democracy a chance in East Timor," said Congressman Lantos.
"Although Americans can be proud of our contribution to peace in East Timor, our work is far from done. U.S. leadership
is again needed to complete the victory of democracy in East Timor. Institutions of self-government have yet to take
root, economic prosperity has yet to materialize, and the perpetrators of past human rights abuses have yet to be
brought to justice," continued Congressman Lantos.
"The legislation I am submitting today provides critical moral and material support to East Timor as its prepares for
independence later this year. This bill outlines a trade, aid, and security agenda enabling the people of East Timor to
fulfill their dream of democratic self-governance. Having helped deliver the people of East Timor from repressive rule,
America has a responsibility - and a strong national interest - in finishing the job of building democracy," Congressman
Lantos concluded.
Specifically, the East Timor Transition to Independence Act authorizes $30 million in bilateral U.S. assistance to
promote civil society, independent media, job creation and economic development, reconciliation and conflict resolution,
refugee resettlement, and voter education in East Timor. This legislation also responds to calls by the East Timor
leadership to enhance our bilateral trade and investment relationship by mandating a series of steps to increase the
involvement of U.S. trade and exports agencies in East Timor. It would also establish a Peace Corps program, launch a
million dollar scholarship program, and urge the United Nations to apply for GSP (Generalized System of Preferences)
status for East Timor.
Congressman Patrick Kennedy, a leading co-sponsor of the bill, echoed Congressman Lantos' sentiments. "East Timor has
made excellent strides over the past year with the start of their fledgling democracy. This legislation will clarify our
role and assistance to them through a meaningful and specific trade, aid and security agenda with East Timor," he said.
- # # # -
ENDS