[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 38 (Wednesday, April 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E483-E484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF A RESOLUTION CONDEMNING VIOLENCE AND TERRORIST ATTACKS 
                           IN THE MIDDLE EAST

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2002

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to 
introduce a House resolution condemning violence and terrorist attacks 
in the Israel and the Palestinian Territories. As I come to the floor 
today, it is with a heavy heart for the families of the more than 400 
Israelis and 1,200 Palestinians who have lost their lives over the past 
year to continuing violence in the Middle East. I also come to call 
attention to those who will undoubtedly lose their lives to future acts 
of violence if the United States fails to intervene today.
  In the past year, more than 1,500 people have had their right to live 
stripped from them as a result of unending violence in the Middle East. 
Since January 22, Israel has fallen victim to more than 35 suicide 
attacks, or more than an attack every day for the past 9 weeks. Just 
last week, 43 innocent Israelis were murdered in multiple suicide 
bombings, while another 125 were wounded. Moreover, more than 1,100 
Palestinians have been killed since violence erupted less than one year 
ago. As violence in Israel continues, the total number of Israeli and 
Palestinian deaths and casualties continue to increase every day.
  Clearly, the need for immediate U.S. leadership in the region is 
critical. The President's recent decision to send Secretary of State 
Colin Powell to the region is obviously a step in the right direction. 
However, I fear that while Secretary Powell's presence in the region 
may help in temporarily curbing the violence, a permanent solution to 
this ongoing conflict is impossible without the President's personal 
intervention and absolute commitment to the peace process.
  The past four Administrations have shown that, when determined, the 
President can succeed in bringing together Israel and her neighbors. 
Whether in Egypt or in Jordan, we see the fruit of past 
Administration's labor in the permanent peace accords that Israel 
signed with both of these countries in 1978 and 1994, respectively. 
Subsequently, we see in the Madrid Conference, Oslo Accords, Wye River 
Memorandum, Sharm el-Sheikh Memorandum, and the Camp David II 
negotiations, that a historical willingness for peace and coexistence 
exists among Israelis and the Palestinians.

[[Page E484]]

  Furthermore, the international community has historically looked to 
the United States as the guiding light for peace in the Middle East. 
Precedent shows that when a U.S. administration is actively and 
publicly engaged in the region, peace agreements between Israel and her 
neighbors occur. Unfortunately, in the weeks preceding Secretary 
Powell's trip to the Middle East, the Administration--at the highest of 
levels--appeared to remain largely dormant.
  Now, don't get me wrong, Mr. Speaker. I remain as ardent of a 
supporter of Israel, her right to exist as a Jewish state, and her 
right to protect herself, as I did the day I was first elected to 
Congress. At the same time, the idea of a Palestinian state is one that 
has already been accepted in Israel, the United States, and every 
country in the world. Nevertheless, achieving a Palestinian state 
cannot and will not be done by means of terrorist attacks on Israel. 
Palestinian radicals expressing their desire for an independent 
Palestinian state by blowing themselves up in a Jerusalem cafe is 
counter productive to the Palestinian nationalism they are fighting 
for. Rightfully so, Yasser Arafat must be held accountable for the 
agreements that he has already made. If he cannot deliver, then we must 
find someone who can.
  Mr. Speaker, while some have turned pessimistic that a peaceful 
solution is possible, I remain hopeful that with direct presidential 
involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a peaceful solution is 
indeed plausible. Like so many of my colleagues, I remember vividly the 
handshake on the White House south lawn between the late Israeli Prime 
Minister Yitzak Rabin and PA Chairman Yasser Arafat. Prime Minister 
Rabin and Chairman Arafat showed us then that peace was possible. 
Today, it is time for all of us to show Israel and the Palestinians 
that peace remains the only real solution.
  I urge the House to move swiftly and pass this needed resolution.

                          ____________________