[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 144 (Thursday, October 25, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H7327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NO GO FOR QATAR ROUND OF WTO TALKS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, we have another bit of evidence on why free 
trade does not bring freedom.
  The oil monarchy of Qatar wants to host the World Trade Organization 
talks next month, but yesterday the monarchy of Qatar condemned the 
actions of our brave soldiers who are fighting in Afghanistan in the 
war against terrorism.
  Qatar's foreign minister said the following: the attacks against 
Afghanistan are unacceptable and we have condemned them. This same 
government two days after the September 11 attacks denied permission 
for America to use its airport facilities in the campaign against Osama 
bin Laden and the Taliban. Now the United States plans to send our top 
trade negotiators to this country for an international trade meeting?
  Mr. Speaker, President Bush has said that in the war against 
terrorism every Nation must take sides, that each Nation must decide 
where it stands. The Government of Qatar made its decision yesterday, 
and Qatar is standing on the wrong side.
  President Bush has no choice. He must not permit U.S. negotiators to 
attend the World Trade Organization ministerial in Qatar next month. 
There should be no Qatar round. Free trade should bring freedom.

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