Political Quotes

“A tragedy has occurred and is occurring at the hands of Indonesia. The people of East Timor are people that have been subjected to the colonial yoke for over 325 years finally lifted their destiny up from the ashes of oppression and voted for the very first time in history to become an independent Nation. But all of this has been tarnished by the reprehensible inaction by the administering government of Indonesia. Jakarta has missed a golden opportunity to prove the world wrong, that the multi-cultural fabric of Indonesian society could peacefully withstand a sovereignty movement in one of her incorporated colonies. Sadly, the skeptics were right. Pro-Indonesia militias have been on a bloody rampage since the voting results were announced, and what has Jakarta done? Nothing. Thus it appears that the Indonesian authorities want to punish the East Timorese for exercising their inalienable right to self-determination despite promising to provide law and order regardless of the outcome. The time has come, Madam Speaker, to defend liberty. Our government must condemn the violence in East Timor and the Indonesian government for allowing it to happen. The United States must insist that a multinational peacekeeping force be granted entry to East Timor to restore order, peace and hope. Liberty, the principle of self-determination must not be allowed to be casualties at the hands of Indonesian forces.”