[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         ON CONDEMNING PALESTINIAN DEATH PENALTY FOR LAND SALES

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                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 1997

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, today the House agreed to an amendment to 
H.R. 1757, the Foreign Policy Act, which condemns the use by the 
Palestinian Authority of the death penalty for any Palestinian who 
sells land to a Jew.
  Indeed, the statements cited in the resolution offered by the 
gentleman from New York [Mr. Paxon] cause great concern because those 
statements support a violent, divisive, and foolish policy which is 
based in prejudice and hatred. To condone, or worse yet promote, the 
execution of citizens for the sale of property to Israelis is wrong, 
and I support this body's assertion that this policy should be 
condemned.
  I am troubled, however, Mr. Speaker, by the tone of the amendment 
offered by the gentleman from New York, as well as by the accusations 
that this behavior represents a unique and unilateral breach of the 
Oslo accords. Most knowledgeable individuals and observers understand 
that the breakdown of the Middle East peace talks plays prominently in 
the background of policies on all sides which have stymied constructive 
peace negotiations.
  Both Israel and the Palestinian Authority have undertaken activities 
which have led to charges that each side has violated the peace 
agreements signed on the South Lawn in 1993. Following the recent 
insistence by Israel that construction of settlements in Har Homa must 
go forward, there has been a break in the peace talks which has greatly 
concerned our Government. Secretary of State Albright has concluded 
that a trip to the region makes little sense until Israel and the 
Palestinians do more on their own to break the impasse and resume a 
constructive dialog.
  Given these many problems, Mr. Speaker, I must express my 
reservations with the parts of the amendment offered by the gentleman 
from New York which imply that only the Palestinian Authority must 
resume a responsible course. For when it comes time for the President 
to assure that the Palestinian Authority is meeting its commitments to 
Israel, will anyone be mindful of the commitments made by Israel to the 
Palestinians?

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