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.