[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 67 (Thursday, May 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E861]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         COMMENDING ISRAEL'S REDEPLOYMENT FROM SOUTHERN LEBANON

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                               speech of

                        HON. RICHARD A. GEPHARDT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2000

  Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be an original cosponsor of 
this resolution, and I rise today in strong support of its adoption.
  Earlier this week, the Israeli government completed a courageous and 
historic act. It removed the last of its military forces from southern 
Lebanon, in compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 
425. This act was inspired and led by Prime Minister Ehud Barak, whose 
strategic vision has once again opened up new opportunities for a 
comprehensive peace in the region.
  With this act, Israel has taken a brave step forward in the interest 
of peace for its people and its neighbors. It is now incumbent upon 
other parties in the region to follow Israel's lead, and to take the 
commensurate steps called for in U.N. Resolution 425 to further enhance 
security in the region. In addition to calling for an Israeli 
withdrawal from Lebanon, the U.N. resolution demands ``strict respect 
for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence 
of Lebanon within its internationally recognized boundaries.'' It also 
establishes and directs a United Nations force--known as UNIFIL--to 
work with the Lebanese government to restore its effective authority in 
southern Lebanon.
  H. Con. Res. 331 addresses each element of U.N. Security Council 
Resolution 425, and calls for swift action by Israel's neighbors to 
demonstrate their own commitment to the terms of the U.N. resolution 
and to peace in the region. With adoption of this resolution, the House 
of Representatives will make clear what we expect to occur, now that 
Israel has withdrawn from Lebanon:
  First, we expect the United Nations to swiftly verify and endorse 
Israel's withdrawal, in full compliance with U.N. Resolution 425.
  Second, we expect the United Nations to move swiftly in conjunction 
with the Lebanese government to assert control over southern Lebanon.
  Third, we expect Hezbollah and other groups in southern Lebanon to be 
disarmed in order to prevent terrorist activities originating from that 
area against the State of Israel and its people.
  Fourth, we expect the Syrian government to follow Israel's lead and 
remove its own forces from Lebanese territory.
  And finally, we expect all parties to use this historic opportunity 
to resume negotiations aimed toward a comprehensive peace for all of 
the people of the Middle East.
  Israel has shown today that it can--and will--take risks for peace. 
America stands by Israel in its courageous action, and shares its 
commitment to peace in the region. I call on Israel's neighbors to 
demonstrate similar commitments in the days and weeks ahead.

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