[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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