[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 23 (Monday, February 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRATULATING PRIME MINISTER-ELECT OF ISRAEL, ARIEL SHARON

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2001

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my concern with H. 
Res. 34, an imperfect resolution congratulating the Prime Minister-
elect of Israel, Ariel Sharon, calling for an end to violence in the 
Middle East, and reaffirming the friendship between the Governments of 
the United States and Israel. While I will vote in favor of this 
resolution, as I did on earlier resolutions late last year, I hold 
serious and continuous concerns about its implications for the peace 
process.
  Like my colleagues, I applaud Israel on its open and democratic 
election process. While the process was encouraging, the results were 
disappointing. Voter turnout was the lowest in Israel's history and 
participation by the Arab population was minimal. This division in the 
population further fractures the possibilities for a lasting peace.
  According to statistics released from the Israeli Embassy, 55 
Israelis have been killed since September 27, 2000, in riot-related 
situations.
  According to statistics released from the Palestinian Initiative for 
the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy (MIFTAH), 366 
Palestinians, Israeli Arabs, and Palestinians in southern Lebanon have 
been killed between the dates of September 28, 2000 and February 6, 
2001.
  H. Res. 34 specifically calls on Yassir Arafat, Chairman of the 
Palestinian Liberation Organization (and President of the Palestinian 
Authority) to ``use his influence and resources to see that violence in 
the Middle East is brought to an end.'' This statement unwisely places 
the onus of peace solely on the shoulders of the Palestinians. I have 
been consistent in my calls for all parties to be accountable and 
willing to strive for a workable peace. Isn't it counterproductive to 
place the blame or praise wholly on one party?
  Americans must be concerned about how the new government will 
proceed. I strongly hope that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will look to 
the future with the goal of peace and reconciliation. Israel, the 
Palestinians, and the Middle East Region overall have suffered greatly 
throughout the last century. This new millennium offers a chance for 
hope. It is my wish that Mr. Sharon will take that chance for peace.
  If the United States wishes to be an honest broker for peace, we must 
be fair-handed and aware of how our votes, actions, and statements will 
be viewed by all factions involved in this unsettled region of the 
world.




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