Jack Reed: “I rise to recognize the new nation of East Timor. I want to congratulate and honor the people of East Timor for their…”

“I rise to recognize the new nation of East Timor. I want to congratulate and honor the people of East Timor for their perseverance and triumph of freedom in the face of tremendous odds. However, while we celebrate this victory we also must remember the long and arduous road by which they arrived here and recognize the challenging road which lies ahead. East Timor's road to independence-- achieved on May 20, 2002--has been marked by years of suffering. Indonesia invaded East Timor shortly after Portugal withdrew in 1975 and forcefully tried to subdue a resentful people. Many suffered and died during Indonesia's 25-year occupation which ended in 1999. Indonesia finally agreed 2 years ago to a referendum on independence for the East Timorese people. When the referendum showed overwhelming support for independence, Indonesian loyalists murdered hundreds and reduced towns to ruins. An international peacekeeping force halted the mayhem and paved the way for the United Nations to help East Timor back onto its feet. With U.N. assistance, the East Timorese have been rebuilding their nation. They have held their first democratic election, drafted and adopted their country's first constitution, and adopted their national flag and national anthem. On May 20, 2002, the United Nations handed over the reins to the newly established democratic government, and East Timor stands on its feet as the first new, free nation of the millennium.”