U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
International Information Programs
Washington File
------------------------
14 December 2001
Text: Lawmaker Decries Terrorist Attacks in Indonesia
(Representative Pitts speaks out against Laskar Jihad) (430)
Representative Joseph Pitts (Republican of Pennsylvania) says the Indonesian
terrorist group Laskar Jihad is causing "tremendous destruction, death, and internal
displacement" in that country.
"Credible reports in the news media have revealed links because the Laskar Jihad and
the al Qaeda organization," Pitts said in a December 13 speech before the House of
Representatives.
"It is vital that we work proactively with the Indonesian Government as their officials
seek to appropriately respond to terrorism and as they continue to establish
democracy and stability in their Nation," the Pennsylvania Republican said.
"This is another front in the international war on terrorism that should be addressed,"
Pitts said.
Pitts is a member of the Helsinki Commission and participates in the Commission on
Security and Cooperation in Europe, an international human rights group.
He also is a member of the House International Relations Committee's subcommittee
on Human Rights and belongs to the Congressional Human Rights Caucus.
Pitts is also the founder of the Religious Prisoners Congressional Task Force to
advocate for prisoners of conscience, and has taken up the issue of religious
oppression in various countries.
Following is the text of Pitts' remarks from the December 13 Congressional Record:
(begin text)
TERRORISM IN INDONESIA MUST BE ADDRESSED AS PART OF WAR ON
TERRORISM
House of Representatives
December 13, 2001
Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today out of concern over the serious internal terrorist
attacks occurring in Indonesia.
A terrorist extremist group, Laskar Jihad, led by a man by the name of Jafar Umar
Thalib, has caused tremendous destruction, death, and internal displacement of the
Indonesian people. In Poso, Central Sulawesi, villagers are presently fleeing in terror
as Laskar Jihad attacks and burns their homes and kills innocent people.
Credible reports in the news media have revealed links because the Laskar Jihad and
the al Qaeda organization. During the attacks in Poso, foreigners from countries like
Pakistan and Afghanistan have been seen among the terrorists. There is not only a
strong ideological link, but also an important financial link between al Qaeda and
Laskar Jihad.
Mr. Speaker, it is vital that we work proactively with the Indonesian Government as
their officials seek to appropriately respond to terrorism and as they continue to
establish democracy and stability in their Nation.
This is another front in the international war on terrorism that should be addressed.
(end text)
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