[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 15 (Tuesday, February 22, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                TRIBUTE TO THE LATE JOHAN JOERGEN HOLST

                                 ______


                          HON. LEE H. HAMILTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 22, 1994

  Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw the attention of my 
colleagues to the passing on January 13, 1994, of Norwegian Foreign 
Minister Johan Joergen Holst who died prematurely at the age of 56.
  Holst earned the respect and affection of the international community 
for the critical role he played in the dramatic breakthrough in the 
Middle East peace talks last year and the signing in September 1993 of 
the Declaration of Principles between Israel and the PLO. He was widely 
admired for his deep understanding of international affairs and 
strategic issues, and his lasting commitment to public service.
  In the aftermath of the September agreement, Israeli and Palestinian 
leaders both praised Holst's efforts, saying they could not have 
bridged the gaps between them without his careful, patient guidance. He 
spent the next 3 months helping the Palestinians and Israelis pursue 
the implementation of their Declaration of Principles, all the while 
maintaining his usual duties as Norway's Foreign Minister. Once again, 
he played a crucial role in bringing the two sides together, but 
tragically, he was never able to help complete the work. On December 16 
he suffered a stroke, and he passed away in his sleep following a 
second one a month later.
  The people of Norway can be rightfully proud of the manner in which 
they were served by Holst. He represented his country and its interests 
with dignity, modesty, and honor. But he was one of those rare leaders 
the impact of whose work will be felt far beyond the borders of his own 
country and for many generations after his own. The people of the 
Middle East--Israelis, Palestinians, and others--are fortunate to have 
been the object of his interest, and will benefit for decades from his 
attention. The peace just now beginning to blossom between Palestinians 
and Israelis, will be Holst's lasting legacy. Although he did not live 
to see the ultimate fulfillment of that peace, his essential efforts to 
bring it about will touch the lives of Israelis and Palestinians for 
generations to come. The American people, too, will remember Johan 
Joergen Holst with fondness, admiration, and gratitude.

                          ____________________