[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 24 (Tuesday, March 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         THE KILLINGS IN HEBRON

                                 ______


                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 8, 1994

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, on February 25, a lone assailant walked 
into a place of worship in the West Bank town of Hebron and killed at 
least 39 Palestinians at prayer during the holy month of Ramadan. In 
the days that followed, the state of affairs in the Middle East has 
moved from one of constructive discussions for peace to destructive 
statements of hatred and acts of violence.
  It is easy to understand the feelings of those who are mourning the 
loss of friends and relatives. Moreover, it is certain that such 
passions only are intensified when it is learned that many people 
applauded the killings as appropriate in what they view as a holy war. 
However, it is of utmost importance that Dr. Goldstein's actions do not 
bring the victory he and his compatriots sought by destroying all hope 
for peace agreements in the Middle East.
  Israel has responded affirmatively by offering to release political 
prisoners and allowing unarmed international observers into the 
occupied territories. Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat responded by 
calling these offers ``hollow and lacking in substance.'' The PLO would 
like to see the dismantling of Jewish settlements in Hebron and other 
heavily populated Arab areas, as well as an armed international 
presence. As the nation which claims to have sovereign control of the 
West Bank, Israel has an immediate obligation to provide equal 
protection to both Palestinians and Jewish settlers during this 
tumultuous period. Curfews and other actions used to preserve peace and 
control damage must be conducted in an evenhanded manner which respects 
everyone's basic dignity.
  It must be remembered also, that the occupied territories are 
comprised of disputed land. In the absence of positive efforts to solve 
the peace process in a fair manner, it is incumbent upon our government 
to review its foreign aid policy for the entire region.
  While these developments are discissed and debated at the 
internatioal level, it is imperative that the United States joins in 
the mourning of those who lost their lives, and in trying to bring 
meaning to this tragedy by pushing forward toward peace. It is 
encouraging that Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon have not withdrawn 
completely from the peace process, and that our government has 
demonstrated its commitment to facilitating a resumption of the talks. 
Such a resumption, however, must happen in an atmosphere of mutual 
respect of all parties and a recognition of the basic human dignities 
to which every person should be entitled--regardless of religious or 
national affiliation.

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