[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 112 (Friday, August 12, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 12, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        RELIEF EFFORT IN RWANDA

                                 ______


                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 12, 1994

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, the humanitarian tragedy 
unfolding in Rwanda has rightly gripped our attention and our hearts. 
When human beings suffer, it is the responsibility of fellow human 
beings to help in any manner they can. I would like to take this 
opportunity to express my admiration and appreciation for all the 
tireless and selfless efforts of those governments, private groups, and 
individuals that have responded to the Rwanda catastrophe.
  In particular, Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the Government of 
the Republic of China on Taiwan for their commitment to the relief 
effort, and Tipper Gore, the Vice President's wife, whose sincerity, 
caring, and personal involvement during a recent visit to the refugee 
camps in Goma, Zaire so inspired the American people.
  I would like to enter into the Record a letter I received from the 
representative of the R.O.C. about their relief effort, as well as an 
article from the Washington Times about Tipper Gore's moving visit.
                                          Coordination Council for


                                       North American Affairs,

                                   Washington, DC, August 1, 1994.
     Hon. Dan Burton,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Burton: I am writing to inform you of the 
     decision of the government of the Republic of China (ROC) on 
     Taiwan to donate U.S.$2 million to the refugees in Rwanda. It 
     has been followed by a private campaign among ROC citizens to 
     provide medical service and relief goods for the refugees.
       The situation in Rwanda is an excruciating one. The tragedy 
     of the Rwandan refugees is beyond comprehension. The Republic 
     of China on Taiwan wishes to join the international community 
     in extending our helping hands.
       We have participated in such international humanitarian 
     relief efforts many times, but lack of U.N. membership has 
     always made it difficult for us to funnel our donations into 
     concerted international efforts. This is one of the reasons 
     why we are vigorously seeking U.N. participation.
       I sincerely hope that in seeking our membership in the 
     U.N., we could continue to count on your moral support of our 
     just cause.
       With warmest regards,
           Sincerely,
                                                    Mou-Shih Ding,
                                                   Representative.
                                  ____


              [From the Washington Times, August 9, 1994]

                     Tipper Helps Rwandan Refugees

       Goma, Zaire.--Doctors working among sick and hungry Rwandan 
     refugees were assisted yesterday by Tipper Gore, wife of Vice 
     President Al Gore.
       Mrs. Gore spent nearly five hours in the largest refugee 
     camp, Kibumbo, aiding Rwandans weakened by malnutrition and 
     potential killers such as cholera and dysentery. On Sunday, 
     she bathed and fed orphans.
       ``The situation has seemed to turn the corner in respect to 
     the level of dying, but it's still very dire,'' Mrs. Gore 
     said outside the hut of a woman near death from dysentery, 
     now the principal cause of death among the nearly 1 million 
     refugees around Goma.
       Mrs. Gore helped the woman to a pickup truck and rode with 
     her to a field hospital.
       She insisted her visit was personal and said she did not 
     intend to draft a report after returning to Washington.
       Mrs. Gore said she was particularly moved by the plight of 
     the children.
       ``They just need someone to hold their hand, love them and 
     hug them,'' she said. ``At least I can do that.''

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