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<title>AXWORTHY WELCOMES RELEASE OF EAST TIMORESE POLITICAL PRISONERS</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">June 10, 1998 No. 156</font></p>
<p><font face="Univers" size="+2"><strong></strong>AXWORTHY WELCOMES RELEASE OF EAST TIMORESE POLITICAL PRISONERS</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today welcomed the decision of Indonesian
President Habibie to grant amnesty to some East Timorese political prisoners and
drop charges against others. President Habibie's decision was contained in a
presidential decree announced by Justice Minister Muladi on </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">June 10.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"The decision to release a number of East Timorese political prisoners is an
encouraging sign of the new Indonesian government's commitment to extending
reforms to East Timor," said Mr. Axworthy. "In light of this development, Canada
reiterates its call for Indonesian authorities to include East Timorese leader
Xanana Gusmao among the political prisoners to be released." </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Mr. Axworthy also noted that President Habibie was prepared to grant special
status to East Timor, and that public discussions on the future of East Timor
were taking place in the territory.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Canada urges all parties, including security forces, to act with restraint and
continue to permit the free expression of differing political views in East
Timor," said Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan. "I hope the new
Indonesian government's openness will make a positive contribution toward
securing a lasting settlement of the East Timor question." </font><font face="Times New Roman"></font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Courier">During his visit to Indonesia last April, Mr. Chan raised with Indonesian
government leaders human rights issues, including that of political prisoners in
East Timor. Earlier this year, Canada provided $50 000 for a food program in
drought-affected East Timor.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Debora Brown</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Hilary Humphrey</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1852</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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