WASHINGTON, DC – Nearly two decades after U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) first visited what was then known as East Timor on a fact-finding trip amidst the island’s struggle for freedom, the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste conferred upon Senator Reed the nation’s highest honor a foreigner can receive.  The Order of Timor medal was bestowed upon Senator Reed for his advocacy during the independence movement and his continuing role as a friend of the people of Timor-Leste. 

During his time in both the U.S. House of Representatives, and then in the U.S. Senate, Reed was an outspoken advocate for action to help the Timorese people, uphold human rights, and hold the Indonesian government accountable.

Formerly a colony of Portugal, the Southeast Asian island of Timor-Leste gained its independence in 1975, but was invaded just days later by Indonesia.  During two decades of Indonesian occupation, oppression, and human rights violations, one-third of Timor-Leste’s population was killed before the nation overwhelming voted for independence in 1999.  With assistance from the United Nations, and contributions from the United States and international community, Timor-Leste was placed under a transitional government and officially established as a constitutional government in 2002.

During a ceremony in Washington, DC, Reed was presented with the Order of Timor by His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, who is known as the father of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, for his role as a freedom fighter, and currently serves as Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment and Chief Negotiator of Timor-Leste’s maritime boundaries.

In bestowing the award upon Senator Reed, Minister Gusmão stated:  “The resistance years were difficult years. But never did we lose hope or lose faith. This is because we knew we had friends around the world supporting us and helping to bring our struggle to the world’s attention.  We would hear over the radio and read in the newspapers the debates in the United States over what to do about the Indonesian occupation.  It was elected leaders such as yourself who stood up again and again when so few were willing and advocated for the United States to do more – to push more – to lead more – to ensure an end to the occupation of our country and the restoration of our independence.  Since that time, you have showed courage and leadership. You drew American and international attention to our sovereign fight throughout the 1990s and on behalf of the people of Timor-Leste, we thank you.”

Gusmão continued: “I would like to thank you for your enduring and unwavering support.  It is in the spirit of true friendship and solidarity, that I have been given this great honor to bestow upon you the Order of Timor.  The Order of the Timor-Leste is one of the highest award given by Timor-Leste, reflecting the gratitude and recognition of our nation and our State towards those whose initiatives and deeds have benefited our people.”

Senator Reed noted that he first heard about Timor-Leste's struggle in the 1990s, when he was a Congressman, and a group of concerned Portuguese-American citizens, along with college students and professors from Brown University, raised the issue of human rights violations and the independence movement in Timor-Leste.

“On behalf of the people of Rhode Island, and in recognition of their special connection with Timor-Leste, I accept this great honor.  I am deeply humbled by this award and thank the delegation, Minister Gusmão, the government of Timor-Leste, and the people for this honor,” said Senator Reed.  “I can recall now, several years ago, when we first met -- from that moment I was impressed with the courage and leadership, not only of you but of all the people of Timor-Leste.  During my visits to your country, I was inspired by your commitment to building a democratic nation.  It was something that touched me then and touches me today.  I am hopeful that Timor will continue building a peaceful and prosperous future.  This is an honor that is beyond my comprehension.  Thank you.”

The Order of Timor is one of the highest honors conveyed to foreigners and it has been awarded to few U.S. officials, such as General John G. Castellaw, who commanded the American peacekeeping force in the multi-national security and stability operation in Timor in 1999.

The Order of Timor requires a vote by the Council of Ministers, as well as the Parliament, and then it is signed by the President.  The vote in favor of bestowing the Order of Timor on Senator Reed by the Council of Ministers and the Parliament was unanimous.

Among the Rhode Islanders in attendance at the ceremony was Central Falls Mayor James Diossa. 

Reed also noted that former U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI), who served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was also a great champion for Timor-Leste’s independence.