The International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development is urging Prime Minister Jean Chr tien to speak up and condemn human rights abuses in Indonesia where more than 500 people have died during civil unrest in the past two weeks.
Tomorrow is a crucial day.
Massive demonstrations are being planned in Indonesia tomorrow to mark National Awakening Day, which celebrates the beginning of Indonesia's independence struggle against the colonial Dutch rulers. Mr. Allmand said it is imperative that the Canadian government calls for respect of human rights in Indonesia, condemn any move that would lead to the imposition of martial law and immediately halt all military-related trade to Indonesia. Indonesia is seeing its largest demonstrations since President Suharto took power 32 years ago. Pro-democracy activists have been demanding fundamental political reforms in the country and an end to the Suharto regime. There have been demands that country's national assembly be reconvened to elect a new president to deal with the political and economic crisis.