East Timor Independence

Mr. Ramos-Horta, who also represents independence movements in East Timor, spoke about efforts in East Timor for more independence from Indonesia, which annexed the former Portuguese colony in 1976. He outlined a peace proposal which called for the removal of Indonesian troops followed by temporary self-rule with a final agreement to be reached within five years. He also argued that the U.S. could do much more to influence Indonesia in this regard. After his remarks, he took questions from the audience of reporters.