[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 43 (Thursday, March 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       EXPRESSING OPPOSITION TO DECLARATION OF PALESTINIAN STATE

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                               speech of

                        HON. JOHN ELIAS BALDACCI

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 16, 1999

  Mr. BALDACCI. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this opportunity to offer my 
remarks on both the substance of H. Con. Res. 24 and the context in 
which it is being considered. The Middle East peace process is at a 
critical stage, the Oslo Agreement will expire on May 4, 1999 and the 
legal framework for the peace process will come to an end. Despite the 
recent breakdown in negotiations, I applaud President Clinton and 
Secretary of State Albright for their tireless efforts towards 
achieving a lasting and just peace.
  I agree with the majority of the text of H. Con. Res. 24 and 
therefore I supported it. The final status of the lands controlled by 
the Palestinian Authority should be determined under the auspices of 
Oslo or another framework. While Yasser Arafat may have the right to 
make unilateral declarations after Oslo, it will not be helpful to 
reaching peace and could inflame the violence that looms over the 
region every day.
  However, I am disturbed by what H. Con. Res. 24 does not say. It does 
not condemn the ``unilateral actions'' taken by Israel in direct 
violation of Oslo and the Wye River agreements. It ignores the 
responsibilities and commitments made by the Netanyahu Administration. 
In short, it is not a balanced resolution.
  In the coming months I will continue to support the Administration's 
efforts in the Middle East and offer my support for all those who truly 
seek peace in the region. I will also work with my colleagues in the 
House to craft more balanced resolutions that call on both sides to 
adhere to the letter and spirit of their commitments.

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