[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 100 (Thursday, July 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1383]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          INTRODUCTION OF THE ISRAEL DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS ACT

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                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2000

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing legislation, along 
with Congresswoman Nita Lowey, in an effort to correct a grave 
injustice being committed against our friend and ally in the Middle 
East; Israel.
  Many of my colleagues may not be aware that a number of nations have 
not established full diplomatic relations with Israel. Israel currently 
maintains diplomatic relations with 162 countries. Approximately 25 
countries do not have any diplomatic relations with Israel at all. 
Another 4 countries have only limited relations.
  In order for Israel to be a full member of the world community, she 
must establish diplomatic relations. The Israeli Embassy tells me that 
Israel is actively seeking to establish and upgrade their relations 
with several countries. This has proven difficult with many of the 
Islamic nations, such as Pakistan and Indonesia.
  In 1994, Representative Lee Hamilton had language included in the 
State Department Foreign Relations FY94-95 Authorization bill that 
stated the Secretary of State should make the issue of Israel's 
diplomatic relations a priority and urge countries that receive U.S. 
assistance to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel.
  Unfortunately, despite this provision, the U.S. government has not 
made this issue a priority.
  At the beginning of this year, during an International Relations 
Committee hearing, I asked Secretary of State Madeleine Albright about 
Israel's diplomatic relations with countries receiving U.S. assistance. 
The Secretary replied that she considers Israel's relations with the 
world community and other nations essential to peace and stability and 
has been actively encouraging countries, such as Indonesia, to 
establish full relations with Israel. I could not agree more.
  I believe the U.S. should be doing everything possible to help Israel 
establish these relations. In fact, Congresswoman Lowey and I worked 
together to include a provision in the Report to the FY 2001 Foreign 
Operations Appropriations bill that urges Israel's Arab neighbors to 
establish full diplomatic relations with Israel.
  However, more needs to be done. That is why Congresswoman Lowey and I 
are introducing the ``Israel Diplomatic Relations Act,'' to help 
promote Israel's role in the international community.
  Our legislation spells out clearly the importance of Israel's status 
in the international community and the need for Israel to receive the 
recognition she deserves. It also requires an annual report to Congress 
by the U.S. Department of State on U.S. government activities to help 
promote Israel's diplomatic relations in the world community.
  This report is of critical importance because it will require our 
embassies to focus attention on Israel's diplomatic relations.
  I urge my colleagues to help us promote peace and stability in the 
Middle East by supporting and cosponsoring this critical legislation.

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