Washington, DC, May 8, 2000 - Timor Aid, the prominent East Timorese aid organization, will open an affiliate office in Washington DC today. The East Timor Development & Reconstruction Organization, Inc. (ETDRO) will seek funding and develop projects for all aspects of development and reconstruction of East Timor and its people.

“It makes much sense for us to set up a facility in Washington, DC,” says Dr. Juan Federer, CEO of Timor Aid and ETDRO. “Here, we have easier access to both human and financial resources that are imperative for a successful reconstruction of East Timor. And, it is also good to be closer to all those people in the U.S. that supported East Timor in its long struggle for self-determination.”

Dr. Federer also hopes that ETDRO will function as a resource center for the public - a focus point for people with questions about East Timor and the current situation, as well as inquires about donations and business opportunities.

East Timor is currently under U.N. administration after voting last year to cut ties with Indonesia, which invaded the former Portuguese colony in 1975. Following the vote, systematic rampage by pro-integration militias led to the deaths of large numbers of East Timorese, the deportation of 200,000 people and the almost total destruction of their society

East Timor Development & Reconstruction Organization, Inc. (ETDRO), is set up as a U.S. registered 501(c) 3 public charity by Timor Aid with support from Counterpart, a U.S. NGO with 35 years of experience in more than 60 nations around the world. ETDRO received startup funding from the Hotung Institute for International Studies. Distinguished international philanthropist Mr. Eric Hotung is Chairman and Treasurer of ETDRO.

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