[House Hearing, 106 Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
MARKUP OF H. CON. RES. 102, H. CON. RES. 188, H. CON. RES. 46 AND H.
CON. RES. 20
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MARKUP
BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ONE HUNDRED SIXTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
__________
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1999
__________
Serial No. 106-87
__________
Printed for the use of the Committee on International Relations
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
63-549 CC WASHINGTON : 2000
COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
BENJAMIN A. GILMAN, New York, Chairman
WILLIAM F. GOODLING, Pennsylvania SAM GEJDENSON, Connecticut
JAMES A. LEACH, Iowa TOM LANTOS, California
HENRY J. HYDE, Illinois HOWARD L. BERMAN, California
DOUG BEREUTER, Nebraska GARY L. ACKERMAN, New York
CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, New Jersey ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA, American
DAN BURTON, Indiana Samoa
ELTON GALLEGLY, California MATTHEW G. MARTINEZ, California
ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida DONALD M. PAYNE, New Jersey
CASS BALLENGER, North Carolina ROBERT MENENDEZ, New Jersey
DANA ROHRABACHER, California SHERROD BROWN, Ohio
DONALD A. MANZULLO, Illinois CYNTHIA A. McKINNEY, Georgia
EDWARD R. ROYCE, California ALCEE L. HASTINGS, Florida
PETER T. KING, New York PAT DANNER, Missouri
STEVE CHABOT, Ohio EARL F. HILLIARD, Alabama
MARSHALL ``MARK'' SANFORD, South BRAD SHERMAN, California
Carolina ROBERT WEXLER, Florida
MATT SALMON, Arizona STEVEN R. ROTHMAN, New Jersey
AMO HOUGHTON, New York JIM DAVIS, Florida
TOM CAMPBELL, California EARL POMEROY, North Dakota
JOHN M. McHUGH, New York WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT, Massachusetts
KEVIN BRADY, Texas GREGORY W. MEEKS, New York
RICHARD BURR, North Carolina BARBARA LEE, California
PAUL E. GILLMOR, Ohio JOSEPH CROWLEY, New York
GEORGE RADANOVICH, California JOSEPH M. HOEFFEL, Pennsylvania
JOHN COOKSEY, Louisiana
THOMAS G. TANCREDO, Colorado
Richard J. Garon, Chief of Staff
Kathleen Bertelsen Moazed, Democratic Chief of Staff
Hillel Weinberg, Senior Professional Staff Member and Counsel
Parker H. Brent, Legislative Information Coordinator
C O N T E N T S
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WITNESSES
Page
Markup of H.Con. Res. 102........................................ 1
Markup of H.Con. Res. 188........................................ 1
Markup of H.Con. Res. 46......................................... 1
Markup of H.Con. Res. 20......................................... 1
APPENDIX
H.Con. Res. 102, reprint of..................................... 10
H.Con. Res. 188, reprint of..................................... 15
H.Con. Res. 46, reprint of...................................... 17
H.Con. Res. 20, reprint of...................................... 22
MARKUP OF H. CON. RES. 102, H. CON. RES. 188, H. CON. RES. 46 AND H.
CON. RES. 20
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1999
House of Representatives,
Committee on International Relations,
Washington, D.C.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 2:10 p.m. In Room
2172, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Benjamin A. Gilman
(Chairman of the Committee) Presiding.
Chairman Gilman. The Committee will come to order.
The Committee on International Relations meets today in
open session pursuant to notice to mark up several resolutions.
We will first consider H. Con. Res. 102 relating to the
International Red Cross. The Chair lays the resolution before
the Committee. Clerk will report the title of the resolution.
Members will please take their seats.
Ms. Bloomer. House Concurrent Resolution 102, Celebrating
the 50th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and
recognizing the humanitarian safeguards these treaties provide
in times of armed conflict.
Chairman Gilman. This resolution was referred to the
Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights but
was not acted upon. Without objection, the preamble and
operative language of the resolution will be read in that order
for amendment. The clerk will read.
Ms. Bloomer. Whereas the Geneva Conventions of 1949 set
basic humane----
Chairman Gilman. Without objection, the resolution is
considered as having been read, and it is open to amendment at
any point.
[The information referred to appears in the appendix.]
Chairman Gilman. This resolution was introduced by the
gentleman from Texas, Mr. Johnson.
I now recognize myself on the resolution.
H. Con. Res. 102, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the
Geneva Conventions of 1949, recognizes the important
contribution the Geneva Conventions of 1949 have made to
international humanitarian law. Last August, we observed the
50th anniversary of these treaties. During this century, we
have seen the scope and devastation of conflict and warfare
reach hitherto unimaginable bounds where virtually every
individual of a society involved in war is affected. In order
to ameliorate and to the greatest extent possible mitigate the
horrible devastation of modern warfare, the states parties to
the Geneva Conventions have undertaken to recognize certain
limitations and to humanize the laws of war.
Are there any Members seeking recognition or seeking to
offer amendments? Any Members seeking to make any comments?
If not, the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, is
recognized to offer a motion.
Mr. Bereuter. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Chairman be
requested to seek consideration of the pending resolution on
the suspension calendar.
Chairman Gilman. The question is on a motion by the
gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter. All those in favor of
the motion, signify by saying aye. All those opposed, say no.
The ayes have it. The motion is agreed to. Further
proceedings on this measure are postponed.
We will now consider H. Con. Res. 188 relating to Greece
and Turkey. The Chair lays the resolution before the Committee.
The Clerk will report the title of the resolution.
Ms. Bloomer. House Concurrent Resolution 188, a Concurrent
Resolution commending Greece and Turkey for their mutual and
swift response to the recent earthquakes in both countries by
providing to each other humanitarian assistance and rescue
relief.
Chairman Gilman. This resolution is in the jurisdiction of
the Full Committee. Without objection, the preamble and
operative language of the resolution will be read in that order
for amendment. The Clerk will read.
Ms. Bloomer. Whereas Greece and Turkey, two long-standing
allies of the United States and North Atlantic Treaty
Organization----
Chairman Gilman. Without objection, the resolution is
considered as having been read and is open to amendment at any
point.
[The information referred to appears in the appendix.]
Chairman Gilman. This amendment was introduced by the
distinguished gentleman from Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, and
several other distinguished Members, including Mr. Burton and
other cosponsors.
I recognize myself for discussion on the proposal.
The earthquake which devastated Turkey last August produced
a swift reaction in neighboring Greece. Putting aside bitter
and long-standing political differences, the people and
government of Greece responded to their neighbor's plight with
generous humanitarian assistance and support. The significance
of Greece's response did not go unnoticed or unwelcomed in
Turkey, as the Turkish government as well as media commented
very positively about Greece's quick response to the tragedy.
In September, a strong but fortunately less destructive
earthquake struck Athens, and Turkey was the first country to
send assistance in the form of search and rescue teams to
locate survivors. In the aftermath of these two natural
disasters, the Greek and Turkish foreign ministers have met and
agreed to continue discussions building on the new-found
goodwill between the Greek and Turkish people aimed at
resolving the issues that have produced tensions between these
two NATO allies of the United States.
I commend the co-chairs of our Hellenic Issues Caucus, Mr.
Bilirakis, the gentleman from Florida, and Ms. Maloney, the
gentlelady from New York, for recognizing the significance of
this thaw in the relations between our two important allies in
the eastern Mediterranean and for their initiatives which put
the Congress on record in support of continuing the dialogue
between Greece and Turkey so that all outstanding differences
can be resolved.
I should also note that Mr. Burton of Indiana, a Senior
Member of this Committee, who has supported a balanced approach
to Greece and Turkey in the Committee and in the Congress is
also an original co-sponsor of this resolution.
Our government should do everything to assist and encourage
this process of reconciliation between Greece and Turkey. I
urge the Committee to unanimously adopt H. Con. Res. 188.
Mr. Bereuter.
Mr. Bereuter. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate your
excellent statement, and I would like to associate myself with
it. If staff finds it possible, I would like to be added as a
co-sponsor for the resolution.
Chairman Gilman. Without objection.
Mr. Bereuter. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Those of us that are friends of Greece and Turkey have
noted for so many years the friction, to say the least, that
has existed between Greece and Turkey during the NATO meetings
in the North Atlantic Assembly, friction related to Turkey's
interest in joining the European Union. But sometimes adversity
brings people and countries together, and it seems that the
government of Greece deserves particular commendation for
initiating assistance to Turkey in the wake of the tragic
earthquakes. Of course, as you pointed out, then Turkey
responded to what was fortunately a less devastating earthquake
in Greece.
I think the government of Greece is demonstrating that it
is interested in pursuing more positive relationships with
Turkey, and Turkey has gratefully and gracefully responded.
I noted also that Turkey was among the first countries to
send earthquake relief to Taiwan, even though they certainly
have their hands full at home with the aftermath of the
tragedy. It is entirely appropriate that our colleagues are
commending these two countries for the thaw in relationships
and their response to each other's tragedies. I hope that it is
an indication of more positive things to come.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Chairman Gilman. Thank you, Mr. Bereuter.
Mr. Payne.
Mr. Payne. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I would like to stand in strong support of this resolution.
I think both nations certainly put aside some of the
grievances, some of the differences that we have seen in regard
to the Cypres question and that both countries came and showed
their humanitarian assistance with swift action. Hopefully
actions of this nature perhaps can be built on where both
countries could see the differences between them, especially on
the issue of Cypres, are very limited, especially since
Cypriots--all are Cypriots first, just about, and had been
Greek and Turkish secondarily up until the 1974-1973 invasion.
I would like to commend Mr. Bereuter and certainly urge all
of us to support that issue. Thank you.
Chairman Gilman. Thank you, Mr. Payne.
Any other Members seeking recognition?
If not, the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, is
recognized to offer a motion.
Mr. Bereuter. Mr. Chairman, I move the Chairman be
requested to seek consideration of the pending resolution on
the suspension calendar.
Chairman Gilman. The question is now on the motion of the
gentleman from Nebraska. All those in favor of the motion,
signify by saying aye. Those opposed, say no.
The ayes have it. The motion is agreed to. Further
proceedings on this measure are postponed.
We will now consider H. Con. Res. 46 relating to the war
between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The Chair lays the resolution
before the Committee. The Clerk will report the title of the
resolution.
Ms. Bloomer. House Concurrent Resolution 46, a Concurrent
Resolution urging an end of the war between Eritrea and
Ethiopia and calling on the United Nations Human Rights
Commission and other human rights organizations to investigate
human rights abuses in Congress in connection with the Eritrean
and Ethiopian conflict.
Chairman Gilman. This resolution was reported favorably
without amendment by the Subcommittee on Africa. Without
objection, the preamble and operative language of the
resolution will be read in that order for amendment. The Clerk
will read.
Ms. Bloomer. Whereas peace and stability existed between
Eritrea and Ethiopia following the 1991 ouster of the
Mengistu----
Chairman Gilman. Without objection, the resolution is
considered as having been read and is open to amendment at any
point.
[The information referred to appears in the appendix.]
Chairman Gilman. The Chairman recognizes the distinguished
Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, the gentleman from
California, Mr. Royce, to introduce a resolution.
Mr. Royce. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
As you mentioned, this resolution was marked up last week
by the Africa Subcommittee. What this resolution does is urges
an end to the 17-month civil war between Eritrea and Ethiopia.
That war has now cost the lives of some 70,000 young men and
women slaughtered in trench warfare.
This resolution also calls for an investigation of human
rights abuses in connection with the conflict. Hopefully, this
resolution will help to bring home to both sides of the
conflict that Congress has lost patience with the intransigence
that keeps this war going. It is a war that neither side can
afford. This legislation recognizes the Organization for
African Unity framework which both sides claim to accept and
provides an equitable basis to end the devastating conflict,
and I would like to commend its author, Mr. Campbell.
I have said civil war. I stand corrected in that. It is a
war between people who were both once of one country, but this
is one of the most tragic conflicts we have seen today.
I want to thank Mr. Campbell, and I want to thank the other
Members of the Subcommittee and urge its passage.
Chairman Gilman. Thank you, Mr. Royce.
Mr. Campbell?
Mr. Campbell. Mr. Chairman, I think the Ranking Member
might be more the appropriate to recognize first. I will take
my place in my seniority.
Chairman Gilman. Sorry. Mr. Payne.
Mr. Payne. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Mr. Campbell.
Let me just say that, as we speak today, the Prime Minister
of Algeria is convening a meeting trying to bring both sides
together. I had the privilege to meet with the Honorable Dawit
Johannes this morning, the Speaker of the House of the People's
Republic of Ethiopia. At that meeting I was urging, although
Ethiopia has now--Ethiopia originally agreed to the OAU
framework which Eritrea initially did not agree to, now Eritrea
is willing to accept the framework of the OAU but Ethiopia is
unwilling.
I think we do have to recall that it was Ethiopia that
first agreed 7 or 8 months ago to the framework which said that
they would have to move back to there positions before May 6th
in the Bodme bottom--A area to have a withdrawal of beligerants
out of the region, out of the area at that time. Eritrea did
not agree. They now agree, but I think Ethiopia has moved them
out of the region and feels that they should have agreed to it
9 months ago when we agreed to it. But I think whoever agreed
to it first and now that both sides have said they would agree
to it just at different times, I think that they must put down
these weapons of war and come together to see a cease-fire.
Neither one can afford it, as has been mentioned.
Isaias Afwerki and Meles Zenawi are ``relatives'' I
understand. It makes no sense that 70,000 lives have been lost.
We were looking toward Ethiopia and Eritrea as the future of
Africa with new, young, intelligent, vibrant leaders very
concerned about their people, and this conflict has certainly
thrown a blanket over those statements, and so we urge the
support of this resolution.
Thank you.
Chairman Gilman. Thank you, Mr. Payne.
Mr. Campbell?
Mr. Campbell. Mr. Chairman, the two previous speakers have
eloquently stated the case. I have nothing further to add
except a word of deep thanks first to my colleague from
California, Mr. Royce, who has been a masterful Chairman of the
Africa Subcommittee. But for his willingness and leadership we
would not have this resolution before us.
Thanks to my good friend and colleague, Mr. Payne.
Chairman Gilman. Thank you.
Mr. Rohrabacher.
Mr. Rohrabacher. I will make this very quick as well, Mr.
Chairman.
I salute Congressman Royce. He has done a terrific job as
Chairman of the Subcommittee.
Let me just enter one note for the record. Chairman Royce
and I have a constituent in Orange County who is an Eritrean
who has had property in Ethiopia confiscated. We are watching
this very closely, and this needs to go on the record. There
have been human rights abuses by the Ethiopian government. If
they claim they are putting this aside, we expect them to treat
people fairly, especially when they have U.S. citizens in their
family who live in my constituency.
Chairman Gilman. I would just like to add that this is the
same thing that many of us have been saying to the embassies of
both countries for many months; the war must end.
I commend the gentleman for introducing the measure.
Are there any Members seeking recognition to offer
amendments on this?
If not, the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, is
recognized to offer a motion.
Mr. Bereuter. Mr. Chairman, I move the Chairman be
requested to seek consideration of the pending resolution on
the suspension calendar.
Chairman Gilman. The question is now on the motion from the
gentleman from Nebraska. All those in favor of the motion, say
aye. The opposed, no.
The ayes have it. The motion is agreed to. Further
proceedings on this measure are postponed.
I recognize the gentleman from Indiana, Mr. Burton.
Mr. Burton. I will be brief. I know we have a vote pending
on the floor, Mr. Chairman.
I just wanted to say I was not here when we passed H. Con.
Res. 188. I want to congratulate both Turkey and Greece on
their humanitarian efforts with one another. Hopefully, our
resolution will help spur more cooperation along that line in
the future.
Chairman Gilman. Thank you, Mr. Burton. We will include
your remarks at the appropriate place in the record.
We have one more resolution. We will now consider H. Con.
Res. 20 relating to the northern part of Somalia. The Chair
lays the resolution before the Committee. The Clerk will report
the title of the resolution.
Ms. Bloomer. House Concurrent Resolution 20, Concerning
economic, humanitarian and other assistance to the northern
part of Somalia.
Chairman Gilman. This resolution was reported favorably
without amendment by the Subcommittee on Africa. Without
objection, the preamble and operative language of the
resolution will be read in that order for amendment. The Clerk
will read.
Ms. Bloomer. Whereas the area in the northern part of
Somalia, referred to as Somaliland----
Chairman Gilman. Without objection, the resolution is
considered as having been read and is open to amendment at any
point.
[The information referred to appears in the appendix.]
Chairman Gilman. I now recognize the distinguished Chairman
of the Subcommittee on Africa, the gentleman from California,
Mr. Royce, to introduce the resolution.
Mr. Royce. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I want to thank Mr. Campbell because this resolution draws
much-needed attention to Somalia which, frankly, has ceased to
exist as a nation as a result of fighting between factions led
by self-serving warlords.
This resolution recognizes that the northern part of
Somalia has achieved a significant level of economic and social
stability, and this should be commended. The resolution,
however, should not be construed as calling for diplomatic
recognition of Somaliland. In fact, the resolution calls for
all Somali parties to work with the international community to
achieve a permanent end to the civil strife there and the
adoption of a permanent government structure most conducive to
the well-being and basic human rights of all Somali people. I
would like to commend Mr. Campbell for authoring and Mr. Payne,
the Ranking Member of the Africa Subcommittee, for co-
sponsoring this resolution.
Chairman Gilman. Thank you, Mr. Royce.
Mr. Payne?
Mr. Payne. I yield to Mr. Campbell this time, and then I
will take up the second part if we don't have enough time.
Mr. Campbell. Thanks very much.
Thank you, Mr. Payne, for your leadership in the area and
for working so carefully with me on this.
Again, my thanks to Chairman Royce for scheduling this, for
allowing this to be considered and mostly to you, Chairman
Gilman, who scheduled this in such a time that it might be
coincident with the visit of President Egal of Somaliland.
I would simply add there is nothing in the resolution one
way or the other. It is neutral on the question of recognition.
Its purpose is to help people in need.
I yield back.
Chairman Gilman. Thank you.
Mr. Payne?
Mr. Payne. Thank you very much.
I also appreciate the introduction of this resolution by
the Chairman. Mr. Royce has done an outstanding job.
Mr. Campbell and I had the opportunity to travel to
Somaliland. We saw the difference of Somaliland from the trips
that I have taken to Mogadishu in Somalia. Schools are working.
Hospitals are working. They have a semblance of order.
As you know, Somaliland and Somalia were forced together,
both under different colonial leaders, colonial powers, and the
whole system was different; and Somaliland has a leg up because
they were self-governing where Somalia was still governed by
the colonial people. I certainly support this. Regarding the
this whole question of whether recognition should happen, I
would certainly be in favor of having that discussion at some
other time. But as my colleague certainly drew out, this does
not talk about recognition, it just talks about support.
Chairman Gilman. Thank you, Mr. Payne.
The story of the Islamic fundamentalist regime of Sudan
toward our Nation, a regrettably ongoing war between Ethiopia
and Eritrea and the violent clashes between the warlords in
southern Somalia all bear watching. Because of these problems
it is in our National interest to identify those portions of
the horn that have demonstrated a degree of stability and
governance and encourage northern Somalia and particularly the
area once defined as the British protector of Somaliland as one
such area.
The resolution which Mr. Campbell and Mr. Payne introduced
after their visit to the region is a modest effort in that
regard, and I support the resolution.
Are there any other Members seeking recognition or offering
amendments?
If not, the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, is
recognized to offer a motion.
Mr. Bereuter. Mr. Chairman, I move the Chairman be
requested to seek consideration of the pending resolution on
the suspension calendar.
Chairman Gilman. The question is on the motion by the
gentleman from Nebraska. All those in favor of the motion, say
aye. Those opposed, say no.
The ayes have it. The motion is agreed to. Further
proceedings on this measure are postponed.
The Committee is now adjourned. Thank you.
[Whereupon, at 2:30 p.m., the Committee was adjourned.]
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