[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 42 (Monday, April 18, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 18, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   RWANDA'S SITUATION BEARS WATCHING

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 18, 1994

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I come before my colleagues today to bring 
attention to the atrocities occurring in Rwanda. to date, 20,000 have 
been massacred as a result of conflicts between warring factions. The 
world is witnessing the mass exodus of foreigners from Rwanda in the 
aftermath of the killing of its President in a plane crash explosion 
along with the former President of Burundi.
  It is important for those of us who cherish the notion of democracy 
and freedom, to raise our voices in support of the notion of democratic 
rule, but against wanton killing and political repression. At the same 
time, it is important that we not typify this as a tribal conflict, 
because it is in fact a political conflict among principals who happen 
to be from different tribes.
  The stated goal of the rebels warring against the military government 
is to implement a democratic government. It is a lofty goal indeed. 
However, the method, the chaos, and the human toll being exacted is 
beyond comprehension. I ask my colleagues to be equally mindful of the 
scenario being played out in Africa, as we have in other parts of the 
world. We should not send the wrong message, that African lives are of 
less importance than those being lost in other parts of the world.

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