[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 117 (Wednesday, September 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PEACE THROUGH NEGOTIATIONS ACT OF 2000

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                               speech of

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 26, 2000

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, like all Members of this body I share the 
hope that Israel and its neighbors--including the Palestinians--will 
negotiate a comprehensive and lasting peace.
  In fact, recent news suggests that Palestinian and Israeli 
negotiators may soon resume their formal discussions.
  Does America have a role to play in helping the two sides reach a 
final settlement?
  Of course we do.
  As President Clinton has shown us--time and again--American 
leadership makes the difference.
  But, as any mediator will tell you, there is a difference between 
leading--and interfering.
  The measure before us is interfering.
  It will have only one effect: to polarize a complex situation even 
further, and undermine America's ability to help the two sides come 
together.
  That doesn't help the Israelis.
  That doesn't help the Palestinians.
  And it certainly doesn't help the cause of peace.
  In his recent speech before the United Nations, Prime Minister Barak 
said: ``We are standing at the Rubicon and neither of us can cross it 
alone.''
  Mr. Speaker, I for one believe America has to be prepared to cross 
that Rubicon with them.
  But being a partner in helping to win peace, does not give us the 
authority to dictate its terms.s

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