[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E54]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        30 YEARS LATER: REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS OF BLOODY SUNDAY

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                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 29, 2002

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues here in the 
U.S. House of Representatives to join me in remembering one of the most 
tragic days in the history of Northern Ireland. It was on January 30, 
1972, that British soldiers opened fire in a brutal show of force again 
Irish Catholic protesters which left 13 dead and a number of others 
wounded. Following the example of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the 
demonstrators had been engaged in a peaceful protest against a 
repressive system which deprived them of basic rights in their own 
country.
  As a member of the House International Relations Committee who has 
visited Northern Ireland a number of times to monitor the Orange Order 
parades and document civil rights violations against the Catholic 
residents of Garvaghy Road, I understand the historical roots of the 
conflict and the intense passions of those on both sides of the divide.
  The tragic events of September 11th in our own Nation have drawn us 
closer to the people of Northern Ireland and other countries where fear 
of violence and personal harm is a fact of daily life.
  As we stand in solidarity with the people of Northern Ireland, I 
believe the United States should do everything in our power to ensure 
the success of the peace process which was moved forward through the 
work of former President Clinton's special envoy, Senator George 
Mitchell.
  In order to continue progressing towards a future of peace and 
reconciliation, it is important that the disturbing questions of the 
past be put to rest. Therefore, the new investigation into Bloody 
Sunday must be far-reaching and complete. There remains a strong sense 
of outrage regarding the original inquiry into Bloody Sunday, when Lord 
Widgery's probe hastily concluded that the violence against unarmed 
civilians was justified.
  Mr. Speaker, the history of our nation is intertwined with that of 
Northern Ireland, and it is fitting that as we remember the victims of 
Bloody Sunday and their families, we continue to support the cause of 
peace and justice in Northern Ireland.

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