CALD Resolution No. 6 S. 1999
A Resolution noting with satisfaction the opportunity given to the people of East Timor to manifest their views and determination with regard to their future as a people and the ready response of the Indonesian Parliament and the recently elected President of Indonesia to endorse such views and determination and facilitate the emergence of an Independent State Saddened that the struggle of the East Timorese for freedom and democracy had resulted to the massive loss of lives, widespread homelessness and dislocation and poverty; Hopeful that despite these immense sacrifices and the many challenges that the East Timorese continue to face, there is a sustained and well-grounded optimism in the future of East Timor as an independent, democratic, peaceful and progressive member of the international community of nations; Relieved that peacekeeping and humanitarian programs are now being put in place by the United Nations, ASEAN and other regional and international organizations during this critical period of democratic transition; Believing that the People and Government of Indonesia are now ready to grant East Timor its long due Independence; Convinced that the East Timorese deserve the right to self-governance and possess the responsibility for self-determination; Now, therefore, be it resolved as it is hereby resolved that the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) note with satisfaction the opportunity given to the people of East Timor to manifest their views and determination with regard to their future as a people and the ready response of the Indonesian Parliament and the recently elected President of Indonesia to endorse such views and determination and facilitate the emergence of an Independent State For the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats: Florencio B. Abad Chairman Manila, Philippines 26 November 26, 1999
CALD Resolution No. 5 S. 1999
A Resolution calling on the government of Cambodia to fully cooperate with the United Nations in setting an independent tribunal to prosecute the former Khmer Rogue leaders held responsible for the Death of 1.7 million people during the “Reign of Terror” from 1975 to 1979 Remind that the Khmer Rouge, during its “Reign of Terror” from 1975 to 1979, has cause the death of about 1.7 million people that has reduced Cambodia into the “Killing Fields” of Asia; Noting that the unlamented suicide of Pol Pot in 1998, a year after ordering the murder of Son Sen, and without being tried for his crimes only underscored the lack of commitment and judiciousness of Phnom Penh to know the truth behind the said four-year systematic genocide; Aware that the vast majority of killings in Cambodia and other political crimes remain unresolved including the attack on a Sam Rainsy demonstration that killed 16 people outside the National Assembly two years ago; Saddened that such apparent lack of interest on the part of Phnom Penh to move against the Khmer Rouge manifests the triumph of political convenience over truth, public accountability, human rights and justice; Emphasizing the need to halt the prevailing trend of unresolved crimes, whether political or otherwise, in the face of surmounting evidence; Considering that it is the prevailing sentiment of the people of Cambodia for the international community to play a major role in trying the Khmer Rouge as reported by Asiaweek (November 26, 1999) and other reputable journals; Believing that open and transparent relations between the Cambodian Government and the United Nations and other international agencie will not only finally resolve the issue of trying the Khmer Rouge but will also be beneficial for Cambodia and its people in the long run. Now, therefore, be it resolved as it is hereby resolved that the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) call on the Government of Cambodia to fully cooperate with the United Nations in setting an independent tribunal to prosecute the former Khmer Rouge leaders held responsible for the death of 1.7 million people during the “Reign of Terror” from 1975 to 1979. For the Council of Asian Liberals & Democrats: Florencio B. Abad Chairman Manila, Philippines 26 November 1999