[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 41 (Wednesday, April 5, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H1768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          SELF-DETERMINATION FOR THE PEOPLE OF WESTERN SAHARA

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today out of concern over reports that 
the United Nations may decide not to hold the referendum for self-
determination for the people of Western Sahara.
  Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 
states that, quote, ``All peoples have the right to self-
determination,'' end quote. Both sides, Morocco and Western Sahara, in 
the U.N. Settlement Plan and Houston Agreement, agreed to self-
determination for the Sahrawi people.
  The U.N. has spent approximately $500 million on peacekeeping in the 
settlement plan over 10 years and $30 million on humanitarian aid in 
the same time period. It would be a shame, no a disgrace, to waste $530 
million.
  The credibility of the United Nations and the United States would be 
further eroded if they are willing to give up on the stalled 
agreements. The U.N. should remain committed to the peace agreement.
  Mr. Speaker, the people of Western Sahara deserve the same respect 
and support of the people of East Timor or any other country. A free, 
fair, and transparent referendum must go forward.

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