Robert Weygand: “since 1975 when Indonesia invaded East Timor, the people of East Timor have been struggling for their independence. Last…”

“since 1975 when Indonesia invaded East Timor, the people of East Timor have been struggling for their independence. Last month, they took a courageous step in that direction. I therefore strongly support this resolution and urge my colleagues to do the same. As we all know, the people of East Timor voted on August 30, 1999, and by an overwhelming majority, 78 percent, chose independence. Unfortunately, the violence that has plagued East Timor for the past quarter century was only intensified in the weeks following the election. The people of East Timor have been brutally attacked by Indonesian military forces masquerading as ``militia,'' their homes burned, their neighborhoods destroyed, thousands are missing or killed. We heard many reports of people, hiding from the militia, starving to death in the countryside. Last week, after too many lives were lost a United Nations peacekeeping force was deployed to bring order to East Timor. The Washington Post reported that the Australian led peacekeepers were ``. . . [w]elcomed by Indonesian officers . . .'' and ``. . . greeted with smiles from the few relieved civilians. . . .'' However, there are also reports that the militia continues to make threats that they will return and continue the violence.”