NORTHEAST ASIA PEACE AND SECURITY NETWORK ***** SPECIAL REPORT ***** ****** East Timor Analysis #7 ******** September 7, 1999 This is the seventh in an ongoing series of articles on the crisis in East Timor. The following is a statement by US Representative Benjamin Gilman, Republican New York, chairman of the House International Relations Committee. ------------------------------------------------ Press Release by US Representative Benjamin Gilman, Republican-New York Statement on East Timor by Rep. Ben Gilman Chairman House International Relations Committee September 7, 1999 "What is happening in East Timor today is nothing short of ethnic cleansing. The Indonesian government should act quickly to restore order to the island and end another tragic episode in East Timor's history. "There could be grave consequences for Indonesia's relations with the United States if appropriate steps are not taken to control renegade police, militias and armed forces. "As a last resort, the international community should be prepared to assist in the restoration of order to stop this senseless violence against the East Timorese. "I call upon the Government of Indonesia to abide by its commitment to respect the results of the referendum and the rights of the East Timorese to a peaceful transition to independence. "When the situation stabilizes, I will urge the Congress and the administration to provide ample humanitarian assistance to the long- suffering people of East Timor. "I am calling upon President Clinton to raise this issue at the forthcoming APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) Forum in New Zealand."