[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 159 (Wednesday, November 12, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




``PAKISTAN SHOULD CONDUCT A FULL INVESTIGATION INTO THE MURDER OF UNION 
                       TEXAS PETROLEUM EMPLOYEES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 1997

  Mr. GREEN. Mr. Speaker, earlier this morning, I was saddened to learn 
of the murder of four Americans in Pakistan who were employed by 
Houston-based Union Texas Petroleum. in addition, their Pakistani 
driver was also murdered. Although no direct link has been found, many 
suspect that this deliberate act of cold-hearted murder may be revenge 
for the murder conviction of a Pakistani in Virginia. I would like to 
express my heart-felt condolences to the families and friends of 
Ephraim Egbu, Joel Enlow, Larry Jennings and Tracy Ritchie. You are in 
our thoughts and prayers.
  The murder of these courageous Americans is an outrage, and I call on 
the Pakistani Government to conduct a full and exhaustive investigation 
into this tragedy and to punish all those responsible. Justice delayed 
is, truly, justice denied. We must always remember, in the words of Dr. 
Martin Luther King, Jr., an injustice anywhere is an affront to justice 
everywhere.
  This is a terrible and tragic loss. In Congress, we speak of the many 
tragedies that occur all over the world, especially to Americans. 
Although Americans continue to be at risk in many parts of the world, 
they faithfully carry out their duties and are not deterred by 
senseless instances, such as this one. The Union Texas employees 
stationed in Pakistan are no exception. Union Texas Petroleum has been 
active in exploring for, developing and producing oil and gas in 
Pakistan for over 20 years. The company has approximately 600 employees 
in Pakistan, 21 of whom are American citizens.
  The management and employees of Union Texas have been leaders in 
supporting the communities in Pakistan where Union Texas operations 
exist and have funded the construction of numerous schools, colleges 
for young women and young men, medical clinics, and mosques, and have 
provided relief during natural disasters and other emergencies in 
Pakistan. Union Texas has been a good corporate citizen in Pakistan, 
and it is sad that such a needless and tragic event has been targeted 
at a company dedicated to sharing its resources with their host 
country.
  This is a terrible loss for the families and friends of the victims, 
and for Union Texas.

                          ____________________