[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONDEMNATION OF CHURCH BOMBING IN ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH R. PITTS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2002

  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies 
and condolences to the families and communities of the Americans, 
Pakistanis, Afghans, Iranians, Iraqis, Ethiopians, Sri Lankans, 
British, Swiss, Germans, Australians, and Canadians who were killed or 
wounded in the barbaric church bombing in Islamabad, Pakistan on 
Sunday, March 17, 2002. I commend President Bush for his statement that 
we will bring those responsible to justice and I look forward to his 
action against the perpetrators. And, I greatly appreciate President 
Musharraf's condemnation and subsequent action to find and punish the 
criminals.
  Men who seek to murder peaceful religious believers, particularly in 
the midst of their service of worship of God, reveal the depth of their 
uncivilized, brutal nature. Once again, extremists are using violence 
to attempt to intimidate people and gain power. These criminals who 
murder in cold blood, just like those who attacked the peaceful 
Pakistani worshipers in October of last year, must be brought to 
justice.
  Mr. Speaker, my heart goes out to those families and their loved 
ones. To the families and friends of those killed, please know that our 
hearts and prayers are with you in this time of suffering and mourning. 
The Americans killed and wounded in Pakistan were there to serve our 
nation and to serve people in Pakistan and the surrounding nations 
through their work in our Embassy or through NGOs. They are to be 
applauded and commended for their sacrificial service during this time 
of great difficulty in our world. And, they are to be admired for they 
have now paid the ultimate price for their service--they have given 
their lives.

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