U.S. lawmaker to visit RI<\/p>\n
WASHINGTON (Reuters): The head of a U.S. House of
\nRepresentatives human rights panel, Representative Chris Smith,
\nsaid on Friday he would visit Indonesia next week to discuss
\nhuman rights with government officials and pro-democracy leaders.<\/p>\n
The New Jersey Republican said the purpose of his trip was to
\nhelp persuade the Indonesian government to make a speedy
\ntransition to democracy, with free and fair elections, and to
\nstress the importance of human rights.<\/p>\n
Smith, chairman of the House International Relations
\nSubcommittee on Human Rights, has requested a meeting with
\nIndonesia's new President B.J. Habibie as well as members of
\nparliament and the military and officials in the Foreign
\nMinistry. He also plans to meet with students who demonstrated at
\nthe parliament building.<\/p>\n
\"It is my hope that a constructive dialogue with the new
\npresident can be achieved, including discussion relating to
\nfreeing political prisoners,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"I will also be investigating details of United States arms
\nsales and military assistance to Indonesia,\" the New Jersey
\nRepublican said. Smith's panel held hearings on human rights in
\nIndonesia in early May.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/us-lawmaker-to-visit-ri-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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