[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 92 (Monday, July 17, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H6083-H6085]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONDEMNING 1994 ATTACK ON AMIA JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER IN BUENOS AIRES, 
                               ARGENTINA

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 531) condemning the 1994 attack on the AMIA 
Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, urging the 
Argentine Government to punish those responsible, and for other 
purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 531

       Whereas on July 18, 1994, 86 innocent human beings were 
     killed and 300 were wounded when the AMIA Jewish Community 
     Center was bombed in Buenos Aires, Argentina;
       Whereas the United States welcomes Argentine President 
     Fernando de la Rua's political will to pursue the 
     investigation of the bombing of the AMIA Jewish Community 
     Center to its ultimate conclusion;
       Whereas circumstantial evidence attributes the attack to 
     the terrorist group Hezbollah, based in Lebanon and sponsored 
     by Iran;
       Whereas evidence indicates that this bombing could not have 
     been carried out without local assistance from elements of 
     the Argentine security forces, some of which are reported to 
     be sympathetic to anti-Semitic positions and to have 
     participated in the desecration of Jewish cemeteries in 
     recent years;
       Whereas additional evidence indicates that the tri-border 
     area where Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil meet, and which is 
     known to be rife with terrorist activity as well as drug and 
     arms smuggling, was used to channel resources for the purpose 
     of carrying out the bombing attack;
       Whereas the 6 years since the bombing have been marked by 
     efforts to minimize the involvement of these Argentine 
     security elements;
       Whereas Argentine officials have acknowledged that there 
     was negligence in the initial phases of the investigation and 
     that the institutional and political conditions must be 
     created to advance the investigation of this terrorist 
     attack;
       Whereas failure to duly punish the culprits of this act 
     serves merely to reward these terrorists and help spread the 
     scourge of terrorism throughout the Western Hemisphere;
       Whereas the democratic leaders of the Western Hemisphere 
     issued mandates at the 1994 and 1998 Summits of the Americas 
     that they condemn terrorism in all its forms and that they 
     will, using all legal means, combat terrorist acts anywhere 
     in the Americas with unity and vigor;
       Whereas the Government of Argentina supports the 1996 
     Declaration of Lima To Prevent, Combat and Eliminate 
     Terrorism, which refers to terrorism as a serious form of 
     organized and systematic violence that is intended to 
     generate chaos and fear among the population, results in 
     death and destruction, and is a reprehensible criminal 
     activity, as well as the 1998 Commitment of Mar del Plata 
     which calls terrorist acts serious common crimes that erode 
     peaceful and civilized coexistence, affect the rule of law 
     and the exercise of democracy, and endanger the stability of 
     democratically elected constitutional governments and the 
     socioeconomic development of our countries;
       Whereas the Government of Argentina was successful in 
     enacting a law on cooperation from defendants in terrorist 
     matters, a law that will be helpful in pursuing full 
     prosecution in this and other terrorist cases; and
       Whereas it is the long-standing policy of the United States 
     to stand firm against terrorist attacks wherever and whenever 
     they occur and to work with its allies to ensure that justice 
     is done: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) reiterates its condemnation of the attack on the AMIA 
     Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 
     1994, and honors the victims of this heinous act;
       (2) strongly urges the Government of Argentina to fulfill 
     its international obligations and its promise to the 
     Argentine people by pursuing the local and international 
     connections to this act of terrorism, wherever they may lead, 
     and to duly punish all those who were involved;
       (3) calls on the President to continue to raise this issue 
     in bilateral discussions with Argentine officials and to 
     underscore the United States concern regarding the 6-year 
     delay in the resolution of this case;
       (4) recommends that the United States Representative to the 
     Organization of American States seek support from the 
     countries comprising the Inter-American Committee Against 
     Terrorism to assist, if required by the Government of 
     Argentina, in the investigation of this terrorist attack;
       (5) encourages the President to direct United States law 
     enforcement agencies to

[[Page H6084]]

     provide support and cooperation to the Government of 
     Argentina, if requested, for purposes of the investigation 
     into this bombing and terrorist activities in the tri-border 
     area; and
       (6) desires a lasting, warm relationship between the United 
     States and Argentina built on mutual abhorrence of terrorism 
     and commitments to peace, stability, and democracy in the 
     Western Hemisphere.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Lantos) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).


                             General Leave

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend 
their remarks on House Resolution 531.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
her remarks.)
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks the sixth anniversary 
of the heinous terrorist act against the AMIA Jewish Community Center 
in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Six years ago, on July 18, 1994, a dark 
cloud of fear and anguish enveloped this South American city when 86 
innocent human beings, including frail little girls and boys, were 
killed, and 300 were wounded as a result of the bombing.
  However, 6 years later, Mr. Speaker, sorrow, despair and frustration 
still permeate the air. Six years later, justice, peace, and security 
continue to be elusive abstract concepts. But as Argentina's current 
president, Fernando de la Rua, has stated, it is imperative to keep the 
memory alive, because forgetfulness is a shelter for impunity.
  This leads to the primary reason why I introduced this resolution, to 
renew and redirect international attention in order to ensure that 
justice will be finally served. Further, this resolution serves to 
honor and remember the victims; to outline the evidence supporting the 
international and local connections to the bombing; to bring to the 
forefront reported attempts by elements of the Argentine security 
forces to derail the main investigation by hiding evidence and creating 
false leads.
  The need to effectively address the alleged Argentine participation 
for this terrorist act was underscored by the de la Rua administration 
in April of this year when it established a task force to look into the 
corrupt police officers and their possible role in the financing of the 
attack, in providing the vehicle used in the bombing. This task force 
will also pursue undeveloped leads and information regarding the 
international Iranian terrorist network which has orchestrated and 
carried out horrific acts against defenseless human beings.

                              {time}  1630

  It was clear from the onset that this attack and the earlier one on 
the Israeli Embassy were part of a campaign of violence targeted at the 
Jewish community in Argentina and throughout the world by radical 
militant groups in the Middle East. Circumstantial evidence would later 
support this connection, attributing the bombing to the terrorist group 
Hezbollah based in Lebanon and sponsored by Iran.
  Additional evidence indicates that the tri-border area, where 
Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil meet, were used to channel resources for 
the purpose of carrying out this terrorist attack. Other circumstantial 
data indicates that this bombing could not have been carried out 
without local assistance from elements of the Argentine security 
forces. This link was supported by the indictment of 15 military and 
police officers, with five described as ``necessary parties to the 
bombing'' charged with multiple counts of murder, conspiracy and 
corruption.
  The wounds will not begin to heal until the investigation into the 
AMIA bombing is pursued with vigor and determination and until 
effective action is taken by all to ensure that justice is served. The 
scars will serve as a constant reminder of the need for vigilance in 
our hemisphere, of the need for democratic countries to unite in 
condemning such horrid acts and work together to protect the right of 
every citizen in every society to live in peace and liberty free from 
the threat of terrorism.
  This resolution is an important first step toward achieving that 
goal. It is a call to action. It sends an unequivocal message to all 
that the United States considers the resolution of this case to be a 
priority, that it is prepared to take the necessary steps to ensure 
this end, working both with regional neighbors as well as with the 
Argentine government, providing them with assistance when requested.
  Six years have passed. We cannot wait any longer. It is time for the 
rule of law to be seen and to be heard in this important case. We 
cannot allow justice to be held captive by inaction.
  For the sake of the victims, for the sake of hemispheric and global 
security, and for the sake of justice, I ask our colleagues to support 
this resolution today.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, first I want to commend my very good friend and 
distinguished colleague from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) for crafting a 
very important, very powerful, and very eloquent resolution. And, of 
course, I rise in strong support of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, a dark cloud hangs over the honor of Argentina. This 
neighbor of ours in this hemisphere has tolerated now two heinous 
terrorist acts, a terrorist act against the Embassy of Israel and the 
terrorist act against the Jewish Community Center in Argentina, to go 
unpunished for years.
  The evidence is clear. Although the direct perpetrators are most 
likely to have been members of the terrorist group Hezbollah, supported 
by the Government of Iran, the complicity and participation of 
Argentinian police and security forces is beyond any doubt. This 
corrupt, far right-wing partnership with Islamic terrorism in our 
hemisphere cannot be tolerated.
  I welcome the statement of the new president of Argentina assuring us 
that he will do his utmost at this late stage to bring the perpetrators 
to justice and to attempt to clean and clear the honor and reputation 
of Argentina. But we will not rest until these things happen.
  Eighty-six innocent men, women and children lost their lives. Over 
300 innocent men, women and children were wounded for no reason except 
their religious affiliation. There is no room in this hemisphere for 
terrorist acts of any kind, certainly for terrorist acts as hate crimes 
directed against various religious groups. It is long overdue for the 
authorities in Argentina to close this chapter, which is a chapter that 
has brought infamy to that nation.
  Following the bombing of the Israeli Embassy, this bombing of a 
community center in the heart of Argentina brings back memories of the 
darkest days of the Second World War when innocent men, women and 
children, for no reason whatsoever, were massacred and murdered.
  Argentina must come clean. The new President of Argentina now has an 
opportunity to instruct all authorities to pursue this case with 
diligence and determination. Until the perpetrators are brought to 
justice, a question mark will hang over the relationship of Argentina 
to all other civilized nations.
  I commend my colleague, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen), and I call on all of my colleagues to approve this 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter).
  (Mr. BEREUTER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 531, 
for it properly places the U.S. Congress on record in marking the 
tragic occasion of the sixth anniversary of the July 18, 1994, 
terrorist bombing of the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires. 
Eighty-seven people lost their lives, and 200 to 300 people were 
injured in that attack.
  This Member thanks his colleague, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms.

[[Page H6085]]

Ros-Lehtinen), from the Committee on International Relations, the 
distinguished chairwoman of the Subcommittee on International Policy 
and Trade, for introducing this resolution.
  Last year, the Argentine Congress passed important legislation that 
allows Investigating Judge Juan Jose Galeano to engage in plea 
bargaining. Nonetheless, the trial of the Argentinian citizens charged 
with complicity in this terrorist bombing has, regrettably, been much 
delayed.
  During a recent visit to the United States, Argentina's president, 
Fernando de la Rua, made a point of visiting the Holocaust museum and 
issuing a public apology for the role Argentina played in harboring 
Nazis during World War II.
  President De la Rua said, ``Today, before you and before the world, I 
want to express my most sincere pain and to ask forgiveness that this 
happened, that Nazis were hidden among us.''
  Solving this terrible crime and bringing those responsible to justice 
is the proper way to bring healing to the still open wounds in 
Argentina.
  Mr. Speaker, this Member urges his colleagues to join in unanimously 
supporting this resolution. Again, I commend my colleague the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Lantos) for his outstanding statement and 
especially the distinguished gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen) for her eloquant statement and for her introduction and able 
movement of this legislation to the House floor.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my good friend the gentleman from 
Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) for his powerful and eloquent statement. I want 
to thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) for her 
diligent and outstanding work on this issue.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Lantos) for his eloquent words, for his skilled 
leadership, and for his deep knowledge of history that has helped us to 
pass this resolution today. I also thank our colleague the gentleman 
from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) for his constant support of all items 
worthy of support, and certainly our fight against terrorism is on that 
list. I thank the gentleman for that.
  I also thank the gentleman from California (Chairman Gilman) for his 
assistance in allowing this resolution to be brought up to the floor so 
rapidly.
  Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I would like to quote from Ambassador 
Aviran of Israel, whom I believe encapsulated the need for this 
resolution and for justice. He said, ``Crimes that go unpunished are 
crimes that get repeated.''
  The time to act is now. Six years more should not be allowed to pass 
before the guilty are brought to justice.
  I would like to especially commend the organization B'nai B'rith for 
its efforts on behalf of the Argentine Jewish community and on behalf 
of justice in this case. May that day of justice come quickly.
  Therefore, I ask my colleagues to support House Resolution 531.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, this resolution properly places the U.S. 
Congress on record in marking the tragic occasion of the sixth 
anniversary of the July 18, 1994 terrorist bombing of the AMIA Jewish 
Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Eight-seven people lost 
their lives and two hundred people were injured in this attack.
  I thank my colleague from our International Relations Committee, the 
distinguished chairwoman of the Subcommittee on International Economic 
Policy and Trade, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, for introducing this 
resolution.
  I have long been interested in seeing that this heinous crime is 
resolved and those responsible are brought to justice.
  Last year, the Argentine Congress passed important legislation that 
allows Investigating Judge Juan Jose Galeano to engage in plea 
bargaining. Nonetheless, the trial of the Argentine citizens charged 
with complicity in this terrorist bombing has, regrettably, been unduly 
delayed. Six years is too long a time to let pass without justice.
  When the local trial does finally get underway, I urge Argentina's 
authorities to invite and permit international observers to witness the 
trial proceedings.
  During a recent visit to the United States, Argentina's president, 
Fernando de la Rua, made a point of visiting the Holocaust museum and 
issuing a public apology for the role Argentina played in harboring 
Nazis after World War II.
  President De La Rua said, ``Today, before you and before the world, I 
want to express my most sincere pain and to ask forgiveness that this 
happened, that Nazis were hidden among us.''
  I believe in President De La Rua's sincerity and thank him for his 
important statement.
  Solving this terrible crime and bringing those responsible to justice 
is the proper way to bring healing to the still open wounds in 
Argentina.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in adopting this important 
resolution.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 531 and would 
like to add my voice to those marking the sixth anniversary of the 
cowardly bombing of the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aries, 
Argentina. This searing event horrified the world and has, 
unfortunately, become a barometer for the political culture of 
Argentina.
  While we commend the statements of interest and commitment made by 
President Fernando de la Rua, I, along with many in this House, remain 
wary, in light of the six years of stumbling, ineffectual investigation 
and the reality of justice denied. The truth in this matter points 
unmistakably to elements within the Argentine state and unfortunately, 
this reality has been a source of delay and obfuscation rather than a 
catalyst for action by Agentine investigators.
  In addition to this disturbing procrastination on the part of 
investigators to dig deep into the roots of official involvement, the 
search for justice in Argentina has also skipped lightly over the 
possible involvement of Hizbollah, Iran and Syria. Notwithstanding the 
myriad statements pledging an absolute commitment to the search for 
truth and justice, the reality of the Argentine investigation has been 
a half-hearted, poorly funded, undermanned, uninspired, slow-motion 
search for answers.
  Mr. Speaker, six years ago in Buenos Aires, 86 people were killed and 
hundreds more were injured by a car bomb created and delivered by an 
unknown group of conspirators, who targeted their victims because of 
their Jewish faith. Cowardly and offensive, the bombing of the AMIA 
Jewish Community Center came little more than two years after the 
bombing of the Israeli embassy in the same city. By all accounts, 
Argentina's response to these two horrific crimes has been 
lackadaisical and disappointing. The victims of these crimes, old and 
young, male and female, deserve better than to have their quest for 
justice fade in a bureaucratic haze.
  I want to commend my colleagues Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen and 
Congressman Lantos for their excellent leadership on this important 
resolution, which I strongly urge this House to adopt. Putting the 
House on record on this matter is a vital step toward ensuring a 
genuine and effective investigation, and ultimately, a fair trial which 
provides just punishment for the guilty parties.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Miller of Florida). The question is on 
the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) 
that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 
531, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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