U.S. lawmaker to visit RI

U.S. lawmaker to visit RI

WASHINGTON (Reuters): The head of a U.S. House of Representatives human rights panel, Representative Chris Smith, said on Friday he would visit Indonesia next week to discuss human rights with government officials and pro-democracy leaders.

The New Jersey Republican said the purpose of his trip was to help persuade the Indonesian government to make a speedy transition to democracy, with free and fair elections, and to stress the importance of human rights.

Smith, chairman of the House International Relations Subcommittee on Human Rights, has requested a meeting with Indonesia's new President B.J. Habibie as well as members of parliament and the military and officials in the Foreign Ministry. He also plans to meet with students who demonstrated at the parliament building.

"It is my hope that a constructive dialogue with the new president can be achieved, including discussion relating to freeing political prisoners," he said.

"I will also be investigating details of United States arms sales and military assistance to Indonesia," the New Jersey Republican said. Smith's panel held hearings on human rights in Indonesia in early May.