[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 127 (Tuesday, September 13, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 13, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
            MIDDLE EAST PEACE: ONE YEAR OF HISTORIC PROGRESS

  Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, 1 year ago this week, the world was 
filled with hope and anticipation by the announcement of a Declaration 
of Principles between the State of Israel and the Palestinian 
Liberation Organization. Over the past year, both sides to that 
agreement have overcome the legacy of distrust between them to 
negotiate implementation of the objectives set forth in this landmark 
document. Despite setbacks, and tasks of enormous difficulty still 
ahead, the Israelis and Palestinians have summoned the courage to 
continue moving the peace process forward and to implement the 
agreement.
  Meanwhile, long negotiations between Israel and Jordan toward ending 
their 46 years of war culminated in the Washington declaration of July 
1994, which affirmed the determination of His Majesty King Hussein and 
Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin to bring an end to bloodshed and sorrow.
  These historic steps in the Middle East peace process have created 
momentum toward a true and lasting peace in that troubled region. 
Today, negotiations are continuing among the relevant parties and 
Syria. I am hopeful that the Syrians too will seize the moment for 
progress toward peace. The challenges are great, but the opportunity to 
demonstrate courageous leadership is even greater.
  We Americans can be proud of our contribution toward Middle East 
peace during this past year. President Clinton and Secretary of State 
Christopher have invested enormous time and effort to this worthy 
cause; they can be justly proud of their accomplishments. Peace can 
only come when the relevant leaders of the region demonstrate courage 
and vision. But America's leaders have worked diligently throughout 
this period to support, encourage, and facilitate the efforts of the 
courageous men and women on the ground in the Middle East.
  Congratulations are due as well to the people of Israel and to the 
Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank for their efforts to implement 
the agreements despite the sometimes violent actions of those opposed 
to peace. The peoples of the region know from a long and bitter history 
that the road of peace is neither smooth nor easy to travel. But men 
and women who care about the future they are shaping for their children 
and grandchildren will continue to reject the ways of violence and will 
persist on the path of peace.
  Mr. President, as we mark this first anniversary of the signing of 
the Declaration of Principles, we can be proud of our role so far. But 
we must also rededicate ourselves to the goals and methods we are now 
pursuing. The United States must continue to do everything in its power 
to foster the Middle East peace process and to demonstrate to the 
participants the political and economic benefits of cooperation. To do 
so is consistent with our American national interest in a peaceful 
Middle East, and is in keeping with our best tradition of leading the 
way to peace and freedom in the world.

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