[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 6, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S1608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______


                          TERRORISTS IN ISRAEL

 Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, once again, terrorists have 
targeted the heart of Israel. My prayers are with the people of Israel 
as they mourn the latest victims. Over 60 people have died in the 
terror of the last 10 days, and the peace process may die as well.
  We cannot understand the kind of evil and cowardice that kills 
children as they walk to a party; families as they walk down the street 
on a holiday; ordinary and innocent people on their way to work. They 
time their attacks to kill as many civilians as possible. They load 
their bombs with nails--to make sure that all injuries are serious. 
Their goal is to kill Jews and to strike a death knell on the peace 
process.
  Israelis are angry and afraid. Their confidence in the peace process 
is badly shaken--and I don't blame them. They have given up land and 
security in exchange for peace. Yet they still live under constant 
threat.
  We must stand by Israel as a friend and ally. I support the 
President's plan to provide immediate assistance to Israel. The United 
States will use our intelligence agencies to help them route out these 
terrorists. We will provide specialized explosive detection equipment 
and technical experts. And America will lead an international effort to 
better coordinate the war against terrorism. Only an international 
effort will track down these killers and those who bankroll them. The 
international community must also condemn these acts of terrorism--and 
ensure that no country provides a sanctuary for these killers.
  The Palestinian Authority can and must do more to stop Hamas. If they 
don't show the will to confront terrorism, the chance for peace will be 
lost.
  I hope that the peace process can continue. But friends do not tell 
friends what to do. As Americans, we cannot tell Israel what risks are 
worth taking for peace. We can only imagine what it is to live in a 
country that is less than 9 miles wide at its narrowest point--and 
still surrounded by enemies.
  Israel has defended itself in five wars for survival. But in this war 
against terrorism, all ordinary citizens are on the front lines. The 
international community must stand with Israel. We must ensure that the 
fanatics do not prevail.

                          ____________________