[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 152 (Thursday, November 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




REQUIRING THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS 
                     CONCERNING DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY

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                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 12, 1998

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 759 which 
requires the Secretary of State to submit an annual report to Congress 
concerning any pending or ongoing cases involving foreign diplomats in 
the United States who commit serious crimes. This measure will allow 
the Congress to monitor serious offenses committed by individuals with 
such immunity to ensure that this privilege is not abused.
  This bill directs the Department of State to provide adequate and 
pertinent information to the Congress for determining the frequency and 
legitimacy of diplomatic immunity claims requested by foreign 
governments. Moreover, the report will include incidents in which 
foreign governments have requested that the United States waive 
immunity for American diplomats who have committed serious crimes.
  The information provided will allow the Congress to reexamine its 
current policies regarding diplomatic immunity while determining 
whether further agreements between nations and/or legislation is needed 
to reduce the applicability of such privilege.
  Mr. Speaker, while it is clear that most individuals entitled to 
diplomatic immunity maintain the highest standards of conduct while 
carrying out their duties, we must recognize instances when such 
privilege should not be provided. I am often reminded on Viviane 
Wagner's struggle to hold a foreign diplomat criminally responsible for 
a drunk driving accident which claimed the life of her daughter, 
Joviane Waltrick. Although the diplomat's immunity was later waived, we 
must recognize that such reckless conduct should not be subject to 
immunity under any circumstance or in any country.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support passage of S. 759. This 
measure will provide useful information for the Congress to determine 
more appropriate circumstances for the application of diplomatic 
immunity. Vote yes on S. 759.

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