[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 101 (Friday, July 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1442-E1443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          ELECTIONS IN LEBANON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LEE H. HAMILTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 24, 1998

  Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call my colleagues' 
attention to correspondence Congressman Gilman and I had with the 
Department of State regarding the importance of the elections scheduled 
in Lebanon in 1998.
  First, Lebanon had largely free and fair local elections this past 
May and June. For the first time in 35 years, Lebanon conducted 
municipal elections, signaling the existence of a vibrant democracy at 
the local level.
  The State Department commends the Lebanese in their efforts to 
implement a democratic and constitutional process. It is hoped that 
these changes will bring about reforms in the current system and expand 
the basic rights of the Lebanese.
  Second, presidential elections in Lebanon are scheduled for this 
fall. We hope they will follow the trend of the municipal elections and 
be another encouraging sign of the Lebanese Government's commitment to 
the will of its citizens. The United States should continue to support 
steps in Lebanon to further meaningful representation and solidify the 
country's democratic institutions and practices.
  The correspondence between the State Department and Congressman 
Gilman and myself, including a letter of May 13, 1998 and a State 
Department reply of July 21, 1998, concerning the elections in Lebanon 
follows:

                                     U.S. Department of State,

                                    Washington, DC, July 21, 1998.
     Hon. Lee H. Hamilton,
     House of Representatives.
       Dear Mr. Hamilton: Thank you for your letter of May 13 to 
     Secretary Albright concerning elections in Lebanon.
       The municipal elections concluded on June 14. Thus far, 
     Lebanese from all confessional groups have participated in 
     great numbers--in some municipalities upwards of 75% of 
     registered voters--reinforcing our belief that the Lebanese 
     remain committed to the democratic ideals they share with us. 
     That the polls have occurred with few disturbances speaks 
     volumes about the greatly improved security situation in 
     Lebanon and the control the government maintains in most 
     areas of the country.
       The Administration has been very active in encouraging free 
     and fair elections in Lebanon. Since the Lebanese government 
     first discussed holding these first municipal elections in 35 
     years, the Ambassador and Embassy in Beirut have encouraged 
     the political leadership to demonstrate their commitment to 
     democracy and hold the elections.
       This is true for the presidential election as well, to take 
     place in the fall. We have been forceful in asserting that 
     the Lebanese should support democracy and constitutional 
     processes. We would like to see a president who represents 
     not only his confessional group but all Lebanese.
       In President Clinton's National Day message to President 
     Hrawi last November, he said: ``In the past year, Lebanon has 
     proceeded along the path towards reconstruction, 
     reconciliation and support for democratic institutions and 
     human rights. In the

[[Page E1443]]

     coming year, I anticipate these trends will continue as 
     your country holds presidential and municipal elections.''
       In the May 21 State Department press briefing, Spokesman 
     James Rubin said in response to a question: ``With respect to 
     Lebanon's first municipal elections in 35 years, we welcome 
     these elections. The United States and Lebanon share 
     democratic traditions, and we have long urged the Lebanese to 
     uphold democracy and support their own constitutional 
     processes. We anticipate that these elections will be free 
     and fair, and we urge the participation of all Lebanese in 
     these elections. It's an opportunity for all Lebanese to make 
     their voices heard in this first opportunity for two 
     generations of Lebanese to determine their local 
     leadership.''
       Like you, Mr. Hamilton, we remain committed to the goals of 
     Lebanon's full independence, sovereignty and territorial 
     integrity. We look forward to the day when Lebanon, at peace 
     with her neighbors and free of all foreign forces, resumes 
     her traditional place in the community of nations. We hope 
     that the strong showing of support for democracy on the part 
     of all Lebanese will help make that possible.
       We hope this has been of help. Please let us know if there 
     is any further information we can provide.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Barbara Larkin,
     Assistant Secretary, Legislative Affairs.
                                  ____

                             Committee on International Relations,


                                     House of Representatives,

                                     Washington, DC, May 13, 1998.
     Hon. Madeleine K. Albright,
     Secretary of State, Department of State,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Madam Secretary: We write regarding United States 
     policy toward Lebanon and important events that are meant to 
     take place there.
       First, we want to commend the Government of Lebanon for 
     scheduling municipal elections, which we understand are to be 
     held on four consecutive Sundays, beginning on May 24. 
     Municipal elections have not been held in Lebanon for over 
     thirty years. We hope that the United States will express 
     publicly the great importance we attach to these elections 
     and to their being held as scheduled.
       Second, we write regarding the Presidential elections 
     scheduled to be held in Lebanon this fall. As you recall, in 
     1995 the term of President Elian Hrawi, the current 
     President, was extended for an additional three years. Syrian 
     President Asad announced that extension on October 11, 1995 
     while on a trip to Cairo, after almost all of Lebanon's major 
     politicians publicly opposed modifying the constitution to 
     permit the President to serve more than one six-year term.
       We have heard some reports that President Hrawi's term will 
     again be extended an additional three years. We urge you to 
     engage in quiet, advance diplomacy for the purpose of trying 
     to preempt another subversion of Lebanon's constitution. We 
     also believe that the United States should make clear 
     publicly that we expect the Presidential elections to occur 
     as scheduled.
       We appreciate your consideration of these two issues 
     regarding Lebanon.
       With best regards,
           Sincerely,
                                               Benjamin A. Gilman,
                                                         Chairman.
                                                  Lee H. Hamilton,
                                        Ranking Democratic Member.