[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E128-E129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LISTEN CAREFULLY, PRESIDENT MENEM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES E. SCHUMER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 1998

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, Argentine President Carlos 
Menem will attend a special showing of ``The Elixir of Love'' at the 
Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center. With all due respect to 
tenor Ramone Vargas, there are far more important voices for President 
Menem to hear in New York.
  He should hear the voice of Americans angry about the failure of his 
government to bring anti-semitic terrorists to justice. In 1992, the 
Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed. Two years later, the 
Argentine Jewish Mutual Association (AMIA) was car-bombed. Not a single 
person has been convicted of these crimes.

[[Page E129]]

  He should hear the outrage of the American Jewish community, angry 
that 115 people were murdered by these bombings, the worst act 
committed against Diaspora Jews since the Holocaust.
  Most important, however, President Menem should see how Americans 
deal with terrorists who kill in our country. We use all available 
resources to track down these cowardly murderers. Americans would never 
stand for such incessant delays in bringing them to trial.
  I understand that by mentioning these tragedies, I am bringing to his 
attention some of the unpleasant realities that exist in Argentina. It 
would be much easier for President Menem to turn a blind eye to the 
problems of terrorists and Neo-Nazism in his country.
  But, President, Menem, you need to hear that the world will continue 
to look at Argentina with a jaundiced eye until there is action in this 
case.
  You need to hear that anti-semitism is unacceptable in a democracy.
  And you need to hear that we will not rest until justice is served.
  Listen, carefully, President Menem. We hope we are heard.

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