[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 60 (Wednesday, May 13, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H3117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TIME TO TAKE A STAND ON HUMAN RIGHTS

  (Mr. STRICKLAND asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bill of the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf), the Freedom from Religious 
Persecution bill, which this House will consider this week.
  While in southern Ohio this past weekend, I had the unique 
opportunity of meeting and speaking with China's newly appointed 
ambassador to our country, Mr. Li Zhaoxing. I must admit that my 
concerns about religious persecution, both inside China's borders and 
around the world, have been significantly reinforced by my discussions 
with Ambassador Li.
  I believe it is imperative that Congress convey unambiguously its 
resolve and to take action to defend the inalienable rights of self-
expression and the pursuit of intellectual and religious freedom, which 
are fundamental human rights. They demand our attention and are in need 
of safeguarding.
  If we choose not to act, China and many other nations around the 
world will continue with strong-arm tactics and repressive actions in 
an attempt to stifle free thinking. We owe it to the thousands of 
prisoners of conscience to take a stand on this issue.
  If we do not, who will?

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