ASIET plans solidarity in Adelaide
By Bronwen Beechey
ADELAIDE — Members of Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor met on October 31 to plan activities for the last part of the year.
Among proposals adopted by the meeting were a focus on ASIET's call for a People's Inquiry into the role of Australian governments in the genocide in East Timor. A public meeting is planned for December 12, at which prominent individuals, activists and members of the East Timorese community will give testimony.
The meeting also agreed to raise $1000 over the next six months, plan specific events to raise funds for ASIET's aid projects in East Timor and attempt to build stronger links with students and trade unions in Adelaide.
Activists were optimistic about building on the success of ASIET's solidarity work with East Timor following the August 30 referendum.
Participants also heard reports on the current situations in East Timor and Indonesia. These were followed by lively discussion on issues such as the role of the UN in East Timor and the need for activists to participate in and support the reconstruction of the country.
There was also general agreement on the need to continue to build solidarity with the Indonesian democracy movement and to campaign for the release of Budiman Sujatmiko and other political prisoners.