Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) met today with Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta. Dr. Ramos-Horta was honored in 1996 for his ongoing battle on behalf of human rights for the people of East Timor. "The East Timorese are waging a long and brave struggle against the Indonesian government. Dr. Ramos-Horta has been in the front lines and offers a valuable perspective on his homeland," Pelosi said.
While in Washington, Dr. Ramos-Horta is meeting with members of Congress and the Administration to bring attention to the situation in East Timor and to press the case for a stronger international role in resolving the tragedy there. "We need to find a just, comprehensive and internationally acceptable solution to the conflict in East Timor," Pelosi said.
Rep. Pelosi outlined two areas where she will focus her attention as ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Operations Subcommittee. "We need to develop Congressional support and pressure the Administration to name a special envoy to work on this issue, and we need cut off IMET funding for the Indonesian military," Pelosi said.
The International Military Education and Training (IMET) funds appropriated for the Indonesian military in FY'97 amounted to $600,000. The Clinton Administration is asking for $800,000 in FY'98.
In 1975, the Indonesian government invaded East Timor. Its rule has been marked by human rights abuses, culminating in the Santa Cruz Massacre on November 12, 1991. On that day, in full view of a British television journalist, Indonesian troops opened fire on thousands of predominantly young East Timorese at a church cemetery.
Dr. Ramos-Horta shares the Nobel Peace Prize with Bishop Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo, the head of the Roman Catholic Church in East Timor.
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