[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]

 
 RESOLUTION TO REMOVE THE PASSPORT RESTRICTION ON UNITED STATES TRAVEL 
                               TO LEBANON

                                 ______


                        HON. NICK J. RAHALL, II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 12, 1994

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a resolution calling 
for the lifting of the travel ban to Lebanon, and replacing it with a 
travel advisory. In 1987 Secretary of State George Schultz issued a 
prohibition on the use of United States passports in Lebanon. The basis 
of such a ban came from ``imminent danger to the public health or the 
physical safety of the United States travelers.'' (22 USC 211a). In 
1987, the travel ban made sense, due to the ongoing civil war. Since 
the end of the civil war, the situation in Lebanon has dramatically 
improved. In particular, I would like to draw your attention to these 
important developments:
  Despite the travel ban, Americans have traveled to Lebanon since last 
1990, with more than 40,000 visiting in 1993. Most of these were 
Americans of Lebanese descent, the media, business people, and spouses 
and fiancees of Lebanese nationals. There have not been any hostile 
acts reported against these Americans, nor any kidnapings since the 
last hostage was released December 2, 1991.
  On January 27, 1993, the United States Department of Justice 
announced that it would not extend Temporary Protected Status to 
Lebanese nationals in this country beyond April 9, 1993 due to improved 
security in Lebanon. this determination contradicts the State 
Department's rationale for maintaining the travel ban, instead of a 
travel advisory.
  Reconciliation and reconstruction is underway in Lebanon. Between 
January 1993 and January 1994, Lebanon has awarded some 100 contracts 
worth $2.4 billion for both consultancies and redevelopment projects, 
mostly to French, Italian, and German contractors. For example, 
Alcatel-CIT of France and Ericcson of Sweden each received $22 million 
and Siemens of Germany $40 million for installing phone lines. Hyundai 
of South Korea was awarded $80 million and Clemessey of France was 
awarded $55 million for equipment and repairs to the Lebanese electric 
power system. American companies have the goods and the expertise that 
Lebanon needs for reconstruction. Unfortunately, U.S. firms are 
hindered in bidding for contracts because they cannot legally send 
American personnel.
  In light of the above developments, a State Department travel 
advisory may be more appropriate than an outright ban on the travel of 
United States citizens to Lebanon. Take the cases of Algeria and 
Somalia where foreigners have been threatened and killed; and Bosnia 
where a civil war is still raging. For these countries, the U.S. State 
Department has only issued a travel advisory. Yet for Lebanon, as well 
as Libya and Iraq, there remains an outright ban on United States 
travel.
  The safety of U.S. citizens is of paramount importance when 
considering a change in U.S. policy on the travel ban. Lifting the 
travel ban and replacing it with a travel advisory will enhance United 
States-Lebanese relations and bring about much needed stability for 
Lebanon. In particular, the participation of United States business in 
Lebanon's reconstruction can only further economic development and 
stability there. Such involvement will enhance United States-Lebanese 
ties to promote United States exports.
  As you can see, the State Department's travel ban to Lebanon is no 
longer necessary in light of the above developments. The travel ban 
inhibits American businesses from participating in the reconstruction 
of Lebanon, slows the building of United States-Lebanese ties, and 
hinders much needed stability in the region. Such a ban serves no 
purpose to the United States or to Lebanon, and I strongly urge you to 
support this resolution to modify the travel ban to a travel advisory.
  If you wish to cosponsor the resolution, or have any questions please 
call me or Mrs. Kyle on my staff at x-53452.

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