[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 21, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H3103-H3105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         SENSE OF HOUSE REGARDING TERRORIST ATTACK IN CAMBODIA

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 121) expressing the sense of the House of 
Representatives regarding the March 30, 1997, terrorist grenade attack 
in Cambodia.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 121

       Whereas Cambodia continues to recover from more than three 
     decades of recent warfare, including the genocide committed 
     by the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979;
       Whereas Cambodia was the beneficiary of a massive 
     international effort to ensure peace, democracy, and 
     prosperity after the October 1991 Paris Peace Agreements on 
     Cambodia;
       Whereas more than 93 percent of the Cambodians eligible to 
     vote in the 1993 elections in Cambodia did so, thereby 
     demonstrating the commitment of the Cambodian people to 
     democracy;
       Whereas since those elections, Cambodia has made 
     significant economic progress which has contributed to 
     economic stability in Cambodia;
       Whereas since those elections, the Cambodia Armed Forces 
     have significantly diminished the threat posed by the Khmer 
     Rouge to safety and stability in Cambodia;
       Whereas other circumstances in Cambodia, including the 
     recent unsolved murders of journalists and political party 
     activists, the recent unsolved attack of party officials of 
     the Buddhist Liberal Democratic in 1995, and the quality of 
     the judicial system--described in a 1996 United Nations 
     report as ``thoroughly corrupt''--raise international concern 
     for the state of democracy in Cambodia;
       Whereas Sam Rainsy, the leader of the Khmer Nation Party, 
     was the target of a terrorist grenade attack on March 30, 
     1997, during a demonstration outside the Cambodia National 
     Assembly;
       Whereas the attack killed 19 Cambodians and wounded more 
     than 100 men, women, and children; and
       Whereas among those injured was Ron Abney, a United States 
     citizen and employee of the International Republican 
     Institute who was assisting in the advancement of democracy 
     in Cambodia and observing the demonstration: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) extends its sincerest sympathies to the families of the 
     persons killed, and the persons wounded, in the March 30, 
     1997, terrorist grenade attack outside the Cambodia National 
     Assembly;

[[Page H3104]]

       (2) condemns the attack as an act of terrorism detrimental 
     to peace and the development of democracy in Cambodia;
       (3) calls upon the United States Government to offer to the 
     Cambodia Government all appropriate assistance in identifying 
     and prosecuting those responsible for the attack;
       (4) calls upon the Cambodia Government to accept such 
     assistance and to expeditiously identify and prosecute those 
     responsible for the attack; and
       (5) calls upon all Cambodian political parties to renounce 
     and condemn all forms of political violence.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York [Mr. Gilman] and the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Hamilton], each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman].

                              {time}  1245

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of House 
Resolution 121. I want to thank the gentleman from California [Mr. 
Horn], for sponsoring this resolution. House Resolution 121 rightfully 
expresses the concern of this Chamber about the terrorist grenade 
attack against a peaceful political rally in Cambodia on March 30, 
1997.
  Cambodia emerged from a protracted civil war in 1991 and soon 
thereafter began the difficult process of bringing prosperity and 
democracy to its people. The Congress has stood by Cambodia, has been a 
consistent supporter of the efforts to build and advance democratic 
institutions and processes there.
  I strongly believe that it is appropriate for the House to condemn 
this grenade attack, a bloody and cowardly challenge to freedom, and to 
call on all parties to end political violence in Cambodia. The 
Cambodian Government must ensure that those responsible for this act of 
terror are brought to justice. This resolution reaffirms our support of 
those Cambodians who are committed to democracy and to human rights.
  Mr. Speaker, I conclude by expressing our condolences to families of 
those who were killed in the attack, and I wish a full and speedy 
recovery for those who were wounded.
  Again I commend my colleague, the gentleman from California, for 
introducing this resolution, and I want to thank the distinguished 
chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, the gentleman 
from Nebraska [Mr. Bereuter], for his leadership in bringing this 
measure before us today.
  I fully support House Resolution 121 as a sign of our continuing 
support for democracy and for freedom in Cambodia, and I urge its 
adoption.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, 
and I rise in support of the resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I certainly support this resolution. I urge my 
colleagues to vote for it. I want to express my appreciation to the 
chairman of the committee and the gentleman from Nebraska [Mr. 
Bereuter], the two cosponsors, and of course the chief author of the 
resolution, the gentleman from California [Mr. Horn].
  The resolution was adopted unanimously in committee. I do not know of 
any opposition to it. The administration supports the resolution. All 
of us agree, I think, that violence has no place in a democracy, and 
all those who believe in democracy have an obligation to speak out and 
to condemn such acts as this grenade attack in Cambodia a few weeks 
ago.
  This resolution places the House of Representatives squarely on 
record in opposition to such wanton acts of violence, and I urge the 
adoption of the resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
California [Mr. Horn], the sponsor of this resolution.
  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York [Mr. 
Gilman], chairman of the Committee on International Relations, and the 
gentleman from Nebraska [Mr. Bereuter], the chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, and the gentleman from Indiana 
[Mr. Hamilton], the ranking Democrat on the committee, for their 
initiative in bringing House Resolution 121 before the House of 
Representatives.
  Yesterday we considered a critical measure on balancing our budget. 
Many had varying concerns over the impact made by a balanced budget. We 
debate this vital legislation because we are fortunate to live in a 
nation that allows us to debate the future direction of our country in 
peace. The only bombs thrown in this Chamber are rhetorical.
  House Resolution 121, however, addresses a very different problem. 
The democratic system established in Cambodia in 1993 has existed in a 
very fragile environment. The hopes the world shared for peace in 
Cambodia are being frustrated again as violence returns to daily life 
and the political process in Cambodia.
  As outlined in this resolution, we can voice our outrage at the March 
30 attempt by some to fatally wound democracy in Cambodia. In this 
attempt, 19 were killed and over 100 were injured in an attack outside 
the Cambodian National Assembly. Among the wounded was an American, Ron 
Abney. He was in Cambodia as a staff member for the International 
Republican Institute. He was helping Cambodians in building a stronger 
representative system.
  I urge the support of this resolution. It recognizes the hope of 
Cambodians and all free people to secure democracy and fair 
representation in this too-long-troubled nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege of representing Long Beach, CA, 
which is proud to be the home of 50,000 Cambodians. They chose Long 
Beach because California State University at Long Beach has educated 
many of the leaders of Cambodia in the late 1960's. When many of these 
able students returned to their country in the early 1970's, they left 
their families in Long Beach.
  During the tragic days of 1975, one Cambodian after another left 
their native country before Pol Pot and his murderers and butchers were 
able to massacre them as he did 1 million Cambodians. Many of them have 
never forgotten their homeland. Some of them have returned to their 
country and are part of the current government, which is seeking to 
bring peace, progress, prosperity, and freedom to that beautiful 
nation.
  I have had many of their children in my classes at the university. 
They are intelligent, hard-working students. They and their families 
bring new energy to our country and the country of their ancestors.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of House Resolution 121.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from 
Nebraska [Mr. Bereuter], the distinguished chairman of our Subcommittee 
on Asia and the Pacific.
  (Mr. BEREUTER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York, the 
chairman, for yielding me this time.
  As an original cosponsor of this legislation, I, of course, rise in 
strong support of it. It condemns the tragic and unprovoked grenade 
attack that occurred on Easter Sunday morning at a political rally in 
Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The distinguished gentleman from California [Mr. 
Horn] is to be commended for his initiative in working with the 
Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and his earlier initiative in 
introducing this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, Cambodia has, of course, made tremendous strides toward 
democracy since the killing fields of Pol Pot and the Vietnamese 
occupation, but serious problems remain. There are real concerns about 
the deterioration of human rights problems in that country.
  The most troubling in a string of recent violent incidents occurred 
on Easter morning, March 30, at a morning rally before the National 
Assembly building in Phnom Penh. Unknown assailants threw handgrenades 
into a peaceful rally being held by several opposition parties. Almost 
certainly the target of this highly coordinated attack was Sam Rainsy, 
the former finance minister and the leader of the opposition Khmer 
National Party. Mr. Rainsy escaped serious injury only because his 
bodyguard sacrificed his life when shielding him from the blast.

[[Page H3105]]

  Although it is difficult to get a firm number, at least 16 
individuals were killed and over 100 were wounded. One of those who was 
seriously wounded was Ron Abney, an employee of the National Endowment 
for Democracy's International Republican Institute. He was present at 
this rally in his capacity as an employee of the National Endowment for 
Democracy, and it almost certainly cost him his life. Almost. He was 
seriously injured.
  The United States and the international community have an enormous 
amount invested in the peace process in Cambodia. Following the 1991 
Paris Peace accord, international donors have plunged more than $1 
billion into ensuring that peace and normality return to Cambodia.
  House Resolution 121 sends the strong message that political violence 
should not be allowed to return to Cambodia. Assassinations, bombings, 
and grenade attacks are not acceptable forms of political expression. 
The political parties in Cambodia must be made to understand that they 
cannot go down the path of political violence. They must know that the 
international community will not tolerate or support parties that 
condone political intimidation or violence.
  House Resolution 121 represents a balanced and constructive effort to 
advance democracy and human rights in Cambodia. I commend, as I said, 
the gentleman from California for introducing the legislation. He has a 
long and distinguished record as an advocate for basic political 
liberties. It is this Member's understanding that the gentleman from 
California will be working with the National Endowment for Democracy as 
an election observer in the upcoming election in Cambodia. While such 
activities can be arduous, it is nevertheless extremely important, 
particularly in a country such as Cambodia that has such a fragile 
democracy.
  This Member also thanks the distinguished chairman of the Committee 
on International Relations, the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman], 
for moving this initiative in such an expeditious manner. While the 
committee's schedule has been hectic, the gentleman from New York has 
been very gracious in addressing special concerns, such as the 
resolution before the body today.
  I thank the distinguished ranking member of the committee, the 
gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Hamilton], for his support, as well as my 
ranking member on the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, the 
distinguished gentleman from California [Mr. Berman].
  Again, Mr. Speaker, I commend the careful attention of the 
distinguished gentleman from California [Mr. Horn] on the events in 
Cambodia and his initiative in sponsoring this resolution. I urge 
support of House Resolution 121.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
Illinois [Mr. Porter], one of our leading advocates of human rights and 
a cochairman of the Human Right Caucus in the Congress.
  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from New York for yielding 
me this time and for those kinds words.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend my colleagues for their efforts 
to call attention to the deteriorating political situation in Cambodia. 
Democracy is new in Cambodia and it is extremely fragile. The political 
violence that has again flared up in recent months has shaken an 
already unstable situation in this long-suffering nation.
  The people of Cambodia have endured the brutality of the Khmer Rouge 
and the neglect of the international community. Now they are struggling 
with perhaps their greatest challenge, the effort to bring lasting 
peace and democracy to their country.
  The deadly Easter Sunday attack on Sam Rainsy and the Khmer National 
Party shattered a peaceful demonstration in front of the Cambodian 
National Assembly. The wounded and injured were described in detail by 
the gentleman from Nebraska [Mr. Bereuter] in his remarks. I might say, 
however, that Mr. Rainsy is convinced that persons in the government, 
specifically Second Prime Minister Hun sen, colluded in the attack. I 
hope, Mr. Speaker, that he turns out to be wrong in that assessment.
  This attack represents an affront to justice, peace, the rule of law, 
democracy, and the desires of the Cambodian people for these ideals to 
take root in their country. The KNP organized this rally to call 
attention to the need to strengthen the rule of law and reform the 
Cambodian judiciary. How ironic it would be if there were no justice 
for the victims.
  Such actions of terror and cowardice threaten to undo a $2 billion 
United Nations-led national reconciliation effort sponsored primarily 
by the United States. The KNP is a leading pro-democracy party, and 
they are working with other like-minded political parties to ensure 
that the national elections this year secure the gains that this 
international involvement has brought.
  If acts of political violence go unpunished, the enemies of peace and 
democratic transition will be rewarded. This cannot be allowed to 
happen. Cambodia cannot be allowed to sink back into the horrible 
lawlessness from which it recently emerged. I am, therefore, pleased to 
join my colleagues in calling on our Government to offer assistance in 
bringing the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice and in 
urging the prime ministers of Cambodia to take advantage of U.S. 
technical expertise.
  Our Federal law enforcement agencies have the know-how to conduct a 
comprehensive investigation. I hope that the Cambodian Government will 
accept our help. Such a move would send a clear signal that they are 
serious about stopping political violence.
  In addition, the Congress should call on all parties to vigorously 
renounce political violence and reaffirm their commitment to free and 
fair elections.
  I have recently been to Cambodia, Mr. Speaker, and I do not 
underestimate the many hurdles to democracy in that country.

                              {time}  1300

  However, I have also seen the spirit of the Cambodian people and I 
know of their strong desire for a better future. I can assure the 
Congress that we have an extraordinary and energetic U.S. Ambassador, 
Kenneth Quinn, who is doing an outstanding job working with all parties 
in all segments of Cambodian society to build the institutions of 
democracy and the elements of civil society in this fragile country for 
which we have so much moral obligation.
  We cannot tolerate political violence or intimidation. The people of 
Cambodia deserve the opportunity to choose their future without fear. I 
commend this resolution and the leadership of the gentleman from 
California and the chairman of the committee and ranking member to all 
the Members and urge their support for it.
  Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished 
gentleman from California [Mr. Lantos].
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friend, the gentleman 
from Indiana [Mr. Hamilton], for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the distinguished gentleman from 
California [Mr. Horn] for bringing this issue to our attention. I am 
fully in support of his efforts, and I want to identify myself entirely 
with the words of my distinguished Republican cochairman of the 
Congressional Human Rights Caucus, the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. 
Porter].
  It is absolutely critical that we prevent Cambodia from sliding back 
into violence, dictatorship, human rights violations, and terrorism; 
and every effort should be made, with the assistance of all of our 
appropriate agencies, to bring the perpetrators of this outrage to 
justice.
  Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Barrett of Nebraska). The question is on 
the motion offered by the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman] that the 
House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, House Resolution 
121.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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