[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 81 (Thursday, June 23, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  BRINGING US BACK FROM THE BRINK: PRESIDENT CARTER'S BREAKTHROUGH IN 
                              NORTH KOREA

  Mr. PELL. Mr. President, President Clinton's announcement yesterday 
confirming the breakthrough agreement with North Korea achieved by 
former President Jimmy Carter should be applauded by all Americans.
  At tremendous risk to his prestige, President Carter undertook on his 
own to go to North Korea to confront a country that for almost five 
decades has been one of America's greatest enemies. Rather than 
shouting and brandishing a stick, he offered the opportunity for 
dialog. He listened to North Korean views, and he presented the views 
of President Clinton and of the United States Government.
  His personal diplomacy created an extraordinary opportunity to 
resolve the issue now dividing the Korean Peninsula. The North Koreans 
agreed to freeze their current nuclear program. They agreed to resume 
discussions with South Korea. And they agreed to joint teams with the 
United States to search for the remains of Americans still missing from 
the Korean war.
  There has been much criticism of President Carter for his mission. 
Naysayers and nitpickers have been a dime a dozen. Many also criticized 
President Clinton for allowing this amazing journey to take place. 
President Carter and President Clinton took an enormous risk in 
attempting this delicate diplomatic maneuver. But that risk has paid 
enormous dividends in bringing America--and the world--back from the 
brink of nuclear war.
  I was struck, too, by President Carter's observation that the most 
important lesson to be drawn from his efforts was to stress the 
importance, the necessity, of engaging in direct dialog between the two 
leading antagonists.
  President Clinton last night warned of the pervasive cynicism that is 
permeating America today. Cynicism, masked as cold pragmatism, is 
eroding the idealism that once made it possible to recognize the 
accomplishments of one American as the accomplishments of all 
Americans. We should not forget that we all strive, even if by 
different paths, for the goal of peaceful conflict resolution.
  What was started by President Carter is not the end of the crisis, 
but a new opening for peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. It 
took 2 years of difficult, often intense, negotiations to complete the 
Korean armistice signed on July 27, 1953. The negotiations now may be 
equally difficult and extended. President Clinton deserve the support 
of the American people and the Congress if those negotiations are to be 
successful.
  The time has come for the critics and cynics to hold their tongues, 
and to give the peacemakers a chance to go forward.

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