[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 30 (Thursday, March 7, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E306-E307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            ISRAELI BOMBINGS

                                 ______


                           HON. SCOTT L. KLUG

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 7, 1996

  Mr. KLUG. Mr. Speaker, 60 people have been killed over the last 9 
days in four suicide-bomb attacks in Israel. We all mourn the loss of 
nearly 200 people, including 5 Americans, who have died in terrorist 
incidents since the signing of the Israel-PLO peace agreement at the 
White House on September 13, 1993. Clearly, the Middle East peace 
process is now hanging by a thread.
  There are some countries whose only interest is in derailing the 
peace process. The

[[Page E307]]

State Department continues to include Syria on its list of countries 
accused of sponsoring terrorism. Israel is asking the United States to 
focus on Syria'a connection to the terrorist attacks. Yesterday, 
Israel's Prime Minister Shimon Peres asked the United States to make 
clear to Syria that Israel has had enough of guerrilla attacks.
  While Syria has expressed the desire to enter into peaceful 
negotiations with Israel, terrorist groups such as Hamas, continue to 
keep their headquarters in Damascus. Syria continues to allow weapons 
and funds from Iran to be used against Israel. If Syria expects to 
establish a working relationship with the United States, it must cease 
involvement with terrorist groups and condemn the Israeli bombings.
  Syria is not the only external State whose role in the terrorist 
attacks we should question. Iran, Iraq, and Libya all play a part in 
the process of working toward peace and their actions should also be 
closely examined. The peace process cannot progress with countries 
throughout the Middle East sponsoring terrorism.
  Through the Middle East Peace Facilitation Act [MEPFA], the United 
States is providing $500 million over 5 years in assistance to the 
Palestinians. Americans have the right know what the PLO and Chairman 
Arafat are doing or not doing to discourage these terrorist activities. 
We need to know that he is truly committed to peace. He shook hands on 
the White House lawn 2 years ago pledging his commitment, but now he 
must prove he is a man of his word. He must root up the terrorism that 
threatens not only the Israeli people, but innocent victims around the 
world.
  I rise today, Mr. Speaker, not only to condemn the horrific acts of 
terrorism against Israel, but to urge the administration to send a 
clear, decisive message to those countries that continue to sponsor 
terrorism. Their permissive behavior on behalf of the terrorist groups 
Hamas, Jihad, and others, will not be tolerated.
  I'm pleased that chairman Gilman has scheduled hearings on this issue 
in the International Relations Committee. Now, more than ever, it is 
crucial for the United States to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel 
as we demonstrate our shared commitment to peace.

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