[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 1997

  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing 
along with Chairman Jim Leach, the international criminal court 
resolution. The resolution establishes the sense of the U.S. Congress 
that our Nation should continue to support and fully participate in 
negotiations at the United Nations to establish a permanent 
international criminal court. It also states that we should provide any 
assistance necessary to expedite such establishment.
  The resolution is the product of the consultation and input of 
numerous groups and experts on war crimes, and international human 
rights, including the Holocaust Museum Committee on Conscience, the 
U.S. Department of State, and the Washington Working Group on the 
International Criminal Court.
  I have been interested in the subject of war crimes for both of my 
terms in Congress. In particular, my interest was heightened when I 
visited the Hague last year and had an opportunity to meet with Judge 
Gabrielle Kirk McDonald at that time. The work of that tribunal cannot 
be overestimated or overvalued. What I saw at the Hague was the 
dedication and hard work of several principled judicial representatives 
aiming to bring justice and a sense of peace back to a troubled region 
of the world.
  We have seen major developments recently at the tribunal, including: 
its first verdict and sentencing of a 20-year prison term. The first 
war crimes proceeding against a commanding officer, since the end of 
World War II and the first NATO operation to arrest Bosnians accused of 
war crimes conducted by British troops with United States support.
  Despite these actions and successes, the problem of war crimes is not 
dissipating. The recent atrocities committed in Rwanda, Zaire, Bosnia, 
and Cambodia are examples of why this court establishment is necessary 
now.
  We must never forget that international crimes such as genocide, and 
crimes against humanity are antithetical to peace and security. The 
incident of such crimes have a destructive and harmful effect on our 
efforts to establish world peace. The failure to prosecute individuals 
suspected of these offenses reduces our opportunity, and more 
importantly, our responsibility, to protect the human rights of all 
individuals.
  A permanent ICC with jurisdiction to try the most serious 
international crimes is an effective device to bring us closer to 
ending human rights abuses. The court will ensure that the law is 
applied in a fair and consistent manner and will act as a deterrent for 
future war crimes.
  The United Nations is already ahead of us in this effort. A 
preparatory committee has been established and has met to discuss the 
details of a draft treaty to be considered at a diplomatic conference 
next year. More than 120 nations are represented on this committee, 
including the United States.
  President Clinton voiced his support 2 years ago. I am pleased to 
announce that the resolution is endorsed by the Clinton administration 
and that it has the support of both the Department of Defense and 
Department of State. It is now time for Congress to make its support 
known also and I look forward to working with my colleagues for the 
passage of this resolution.

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