[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 35 (Thursday, March 24, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 COMMENDING ISRAEL AND EGYPT ON THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF 
                      THE HISTORIC TREATY OF PEACE

  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of Senate Resolution 194, a 
resolution introduced earlier today by Senators Pell, Helms, et al., 
commending Israel and Egypt on the fifteenth anniversary of the signing 
of the historic treaty of peace; that the resolution be adopted; that 
the preamble be agreed to; that the motion to reconsider be laid upon 
the table; and that any statements appear at the appropriate place in 
the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  So the resolution (S. Res. 194) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution (S. Res. 194), with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 194

       Whereas, March 26, 1994 is the fifteenth anniversary of the 
     signing by Prime Minister Begin of Israel and President Sadat 
     of Egypt of the Treaty of Peace between the Arab Republic of 
     Egypt and the State of Israel;
       Whereas, the Treaty of Peace has resulted in the longest 
     period without hostilities between Israel an Arab neighbor 
     since the founding of Israel in 1948;
       Whereas, the Treaty of Peace has served as the foundation 
     of subsequent initiatives to secure a lasting peace between 
     Israel and its Arab neighbors;
       Whereas, the Treaty of Peace has served to enhance regional 
     stability in the Middle East: Now, therefore be it
       Resolved, That the United States Senate--
       (1) congratulates Israel and Egypt on the fifteenth 
     anniversary of the signing of the historic Treaty of Peace 
     between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the State of Israel;
       (2) commends Israel and Egypt for their fortitude and 
     commitment to international peace and regional stability; and
       (3) reaffirms its support for Israel and Egypt as they 
     continue to pursue a lasting peace in the Middle East.

  Mr. PELL. Mr. President, this coming Saturday, March 26, 1994, marks 
the fifteenth anniversary of the signing of the peace treaty between 
Egypt and Israel. Today I am Submitting a resolution, along with 
Senators Helms, Moynihan, Brown, Mitchell, and Dole, to commemorate 
this historic occasion.
  The only peace treaty that has ever been implemented between Israel 
and an Arab country, the Egypt-Israel treaty has stood the test of time 
and is widely recognized as a milestone in the history of the Middle 
East. It has become the foundation upon which subsequent peace 
initiatives have been built, including the landmark Declaration of 
Principles between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization.
  The Egypt-Israel peace treaty, which developed out of the Camp David 
agreements, also represents one of the highlights of American diplomacy 
in the Middle East. It is a shining example of how American involvement 
can promote stability in a strategic, but volatile region, and it 
stands as one of the greatest legacies of President Carter's 
administration.
  Finally, Mr. President, the Egypt-Israel peace treaty is a tribute to 
individual courage and vision. History, it is said, can bestow no 
greater title upon a man than ``peacemaker.'' If that is true, then 
President Carter, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime 
Minister Menachem Begin should rank among the most distinguished 
leaders of our time. My high regard and my admiration for them is as 
strong today as it was 15 years ago. Their spirit, their bold tradition 
has helped to guide a new generation of leaders seeking to build upon 
the achievements of Camp David.
  I am pleased to introduce this resolution, which pays due respect to 
the people of Egypt and Israel for standing by their commitments. As 
many of us know, it has not been easy going for either side since 1979, 
and it has taken a great deal of strength and perseverance for Israelis 
and Egyptians to fulfill their dream of peace.
  I am grateful to Senators Helms, Moynihan, Brown, Mitchell, and Dole 
for their support, and I hope very much that the Senate will agree to 
this resolution.
  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

                          ____________________