[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 119 (Thursday, September 10, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1684]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   CALLING FOR AN END TO RECENT CONFLICT BETWEEN ERITREA AND ETHIOPIA

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                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 10, 1998

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. 
Res. 292, a concurrent resolution calling for an end to the recent 
conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia. I support this bill for several 
reasons. First, I am concerned that this conflict shows signs of 
worsening, ravaging a civilian population that has experienced severe 
hardship during the last half century. The threat to the civilian 
populations of Eritrea and Ethiopia is real, as both countries are 
among the largest recipients of international aid.
  Thus, far hundreds of soldiers and civilians have died on both sides. 
Towns and villages have suffered aerial bombardment. Just one example 
of the horrors of this war, occurred as an Eritrean fighter plane 
strafed a schoolyard killing dozens of children. Both sides have begun 
gathering citizens of the other country for deportation which raises 
the specter of genocide.
  Second, this conflict threatens to undermine United States efforts to 
increase investment and trade in the region. During the President's 
recent trip to the African continent, the President indicated a 
willingness to increase America's economic ties in the region. This 
conflict represents a major obstacle to America's efforts to continue 
to develop and foster an economic partnership on the continent.
  Finally, the strategic importance of this region has long been viewed 
as vital to United States interests. The Horn of Africa has long been 
viewed as a strategic area of the globe because of its proximity to the 
sea lands linking the oil rich Persian Gulf region with the Red Sea, 
the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
  This Congress should pass House Concurrent Resolution 292 and support 
all efforts which will mediate an immediate end to the conflict between 
Eritrea and Ethiopia.

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