[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 144 (Thursday, October 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1928-E1929]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  ENDORSE THE MITCHELL COMMITTEE REPORT RESOLUTION: SUPPORT AMERICAN 
INTERESTS BY WORKING TOWARD A JUST, LASTING PEACE BETWEEN ISRAELIS AND 
                              PALESTINIANS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 25, 2001

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself and the 29 colleagues 
who have joined me as original cosponsors, I rise today to announce the 
introduction of an important concurrent resolution pertaining to the 
ongoing violence in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. As we 
all know, this violence not only endangers Israelis, Palestinians, and 
their neighbors, but it threatens the interests of the United States at 
this most critical time.
  In introducing this resolution--which is strongly supported by the 
Administration--my colleagues and I are sending a clear message that 
violence in this troubled region is unacceptable and serves no one's 
long-term interests. It stresses that the Mitchell Committee Report 
offers the best road map toward ending the current cycle of violence 
and restarting the peace process in the Middle East. It notes that U.S. 
leadership is vital to creating and implementing a just and lasting 
peace. Finally, it highlights the fact that peace between Israel and 
the Palestinian Authority is America's best interest now and in the 
future.
  In the past week we have seen violence beget violence. Assassinations 
do not serve the interests of the Palestinians. Unjust, aggressive acts 
do not serve the interests of Israel. Most importantly these acts do 
not serve American interests, particularly at a time when we are 
engaged in war and the delicate diplomacy of coalition building. These 
acts harm our ability to effectively meet and beat the forces of evil 
that we are fighting in Afghanistan.
  I would note that while neither party is beyond reproach, I am 
troubled by what is taking place in Bethlehem, Beit Rima, and 
elsewhere. I am deeply troubled that when we shared our concerns with 
the Government of Israel and asked that they refrain from escalating 
violence by occupying additional Palestinian lands, they refused.
  Mr. Speaker, as we wage war on terrorism, we must be careful to 
remember that while we have many allies, we must not allow any single 
country to use this conflict to justify any and all actions they take 
in their national interest. American interests overlap with the 
interests of other countries on many points, but they are not 
identical. American interests must be our priority and must prevail.
  The Israel-Palestinian conflict has left thousands dead since 1948, 
and hundreds dead in the last year. This conflict must be resolved. 
Both sides have suffered, are suffering, and will continue to suffer if 
nothing is done. It is in the interest of our nation to encourage these 
parties to halt the violence and make peace.
  The Mitchell Committee was created by the mutual agreement of the 
United States, Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Jordan, the 
United Nations, and the European Union at the conclusion of the Sharm 
el-Sheik Middle East Peace Summit on October 17, 2000. The Mitchell 
Committee studied the ongoing violence over a period of months, and the 
report they submitted included objective findings and constructive 
recommendations as to how to end the violence and rebuild confidence 
that will enable the parties to return to the negotiating table.
  The United States, the UN, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority 
endorsed the Mitchell Committee Report because it is the best blueprint 
as to how to get the peace process back on track. It was accepted 
because it is a fair and balanced report that highlights the fact that 
both parties are responsible for the starting and perpetuating 
violence, and both parties are responsible for stopping it.
  Mr. Speaker, the resolution I have introduced is balanced and fair, 
and merely expresses this body's support for the Mitchell Committee 
Report. Passing this resolution will send a message to both Israelis 
and Palestinians that the United States is a true partner for peace, 
and will work toward creating a just, lasting peace that will protect 
the interests of all parties.
  This resolution enjoys the strong support of the Bush Administration, 
and I submit a copy of an October 5, 2001, letter of support from the 
State Department. This letter notes the following:

       Passage of this resolution, without amendment, would make a 
     positive and welcome contribution to the Administration's 
     work with the parties to end the violence, implement the 
     Mitchell Committee recommendations, and return to substantive 
     negotiations.

  Mr. Speaker, violence between the Israelis and Palestinians only 
begets more violence. This needless bloodshed runs counter to the 
interests of all parties, including the United States. I urge my 
colleagues to support this resolution and demonstrate their support for 
peace and the Administration's efforts to resolve the Israeli-
Palestinians conflict in a just, balanced manner.

                            United States Department of State,

                                  Washington, DC, October 5, 2001.
       Dear Mr. Dingell: Thank you very much for your letter to 
     Secretary Powell and for sharing with us the text of your 
     Concurrent Resolution. Passage of this resolution, without 
     amendment, would make a positive and welcome contribution to 
     the Administration's work with the parties to end the 
     violence, implement the Mitchell Committee recommendations, 
     and return to substantive negotiations. We appreciate very 
     much your support.
       As you point out, the Mitchell Committee recommendations 
     represent a practical path back to productive negotiations 
     between the parties. Before negotiations can begin, however, 
     it is essential that the violence end and that both sides do 
     everything possible to restore an atmosphere of calm. The 
     meeting between Israeli Foreign Minister Peres and Chairman 
     Arafat and the renewed security coordination which followed 
     that meeting are important steps in this direction.
       It is important that both Palestinians and Israelis avoid 
     actions that jeopardize this renewed dialogue. Both sides 
     must engage in the fullest possible coordination on security 
     issues to help ensure a lasting halt to violence and terror. 
     The Israelis should refrain from provocative acts that can 
     only escalate tensions and undermine efforts to bring about a 
     lasting halt to violence. For their part, the Palestinian 
     authority must take sustained and effective steps to preempt 
     violence and arrest those responsible for planning and 
     conducting acts of violence and terror.

[[Page E1929]]

       Further progress will not be possible without a significant 
     reduction in the level of violence.
       Both sides now have an important opportunity to break from 
     the events of the past year to begin to build a new 
     relationship. Both sides must follow through on their 
     commitments to fully implement the Mitchell Committee 
     recommendations.
       The President and the Secretary have been deeply engaged 
     and will continue to do everything possible to help the two 
     sides end the violence and encourage the resumption of a 
     meaningful political dialogue. Thank you again for your 
     support.
           Sincerely,

                                                Paul V. Kelly,

                                              Assistant Secretary,
                                              Legislative Affairs.

     

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