[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                              SOUTH AFRICA

                                 ______


                          HON. ELIZABETH FURSE

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 1994

  Ms. FURSE. Mr. Speaker, this morning, we had the privilege of being 
with South African President Nelson Mandela. He was proof positive in 
our midst that economic sanctions do work and governments can change 
without bloodshed. There are alternatives to military solutions.
  The principles of conflict resolution and strengthening of internal 
democracy movements must be brought to bear as early as possible to 
prevent the situation we find ourselves in today in Haiti. We did not 
do that in Haiti. Short of that, we should have been serious about 
applying tough economic sanctions as soon as President Aristide's 
legitimately elected government was overthrown. We didn't do that, 
either, and although I am relieved that a military invasion was avoided 
by the work of President Carter and his negotiating team, our choices 
are now very limited.
  Before we ever resort to a military response, we must always have a 
clear mission, agreed upon by the Congress and the administration 
before we go. We must rely on multi-national responses in situations 
like this. We can no longer be the world's top cop.
  Given the fact that we are in Haiti with our troops now, we must 
first clarify our mission. Then we must move as quickly as possible 
from a unilaterial U.S. military approach to a multi-national civilian 
presence as soon as feasible.
  It is for these reasons that I support the Dellums amendment.

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