[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 71 (Thursday, June 9, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 9, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             ALLOW THE BOSNIAN MOSLEMS TO DEFEND THEMSELVES

                                 ______


                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 1994

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, recently, the world celebrated the heroic 
liberation of Europe from the tyranny of Hitler and his genocidal 
policies. U.S. troop landing on the beaches of Normandy stood as a 
shining example of the strength of this Nation and as representatives 
of freedom and democracy.
  Europe once again faces bloodshed within its borders--this time, 
within the former Yugoslavia. Since 1991, war has racked this region at 
a cost of tens of thousands of lives.
  However, the world stands by as Bosnian Moslems, legally barred from 
obtaining the arms they need to defend themselves, face daily 
slaughter. Where is the United States this time? President Clinton's 
vacillating policy in Bosnia abrogates the United States preeminent 
position in the world arena. We appear to all the world as afraid, 
timid and tentative.
  Is this Nation, which once stood squarely against persecution and 
oppession, going to undermine its leadership position in the world? The 
embargo is a misguided policy. The United Nations continues to argue 
that this embargo is an effective tool in curtailing the carnage in the 
region, I do not agree. It is this very policy which has encouraged the 
continuation of this 3-year-old struggle. Weakness invites war. A 
strong defense is the surest way to peace.
  The McCloskey, Gilman, Bonier and Hoyer amendment is a moral 
imperative. The United States cannot claim its ethical veracity unless 
it takes the lead and shows the world this murderous campaign is an 
intolerable circumstance.
  I urge my colleagues to rise in support of the McCloskey, Gilman, 
Bonyer and Hoyer amendment in order to ensure an equal playing field 
that allows the Bosnian Moslems an opportunity to defend themnselves. 
The United States can no longer turn a blind eye to the carnage in this 
region.

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