[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10746-S10747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
EXPRESSING SYMPATHY FOR THOSE MURDERED AND INJURED IN THE TERRORIST
ATTACK IN BALI, INDONESIA, ON OCTOBER 12, 2002
Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent that we now proceed to S. Res. 350
introduced earlier today by Senator Feinstein.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A resolution (S. Res. 350) expressing sympathy for those
murdered and injured in the terrorist attack in Bali,
Indonesia, on October 12, 2002.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolution.
Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, on October 12, the world was shocked as
we learned of the tragedy in Indonesia. As news spread across the
globe, we heard about the victims, the missing, and the utter
devastation unleashed by a group of nameless and faceless murderers.
New Yorkers and Americans understand the grief that has enveloped those
who lost loved ones in the Bali bombing, and we wish them solace in
this time of great personal loss.
This was the largest terrorist attack since September 11, and while
13 months have passed since that fateful day in September, the images
of that day remain crystal clear in our minds. While words often fail
to provide comfort, perhaps knowing that there are others who can
empathize with the shock that's felt in the days and weeks and months
after such a tragedy, can console a grieving nation, city, and friend.
After the attacks on the World Trade Centers, New Yorkers were so
grateful for the outpouring of support that came from every corner of
the globe. It is a sense of solidarity that no country wishes to share,
but we must use it to strengthen our efforts in our war against
terrorism.
In the weeks and months ahead, New Yorkers will do everything we can
to help those impacted by the bombings in Bali. This act of terror has
taken nearly 200 lives and injured hundreds. These were parents,
children, husbands and wives and friends from so many countries:
Indonesia, Australia, Japan, Italy, Great Britain, South Korea,
Germany, and two Americans. Five Americans are still unaccounted for.
For many, watching family members go to hospitals in Bali carrying
pictures of their loved ones is an all too familiar sight. But every
opportunity to maintain hope in a desperate time should be pursued.
Bali is known as a peaceful place where people from many different
religions, races, and backgrounds can come for relaxation and
recreation. Its hospitality is honored around the world. These bombings
were a deliberate attempt to disrupt that tranquility and undermine the
Indonesian government and its economy. We stand with the Indonesian
government as they seek to punish those who are responsible and root
out the terrorists in their midst.
Australia was also deeply impacted by these bombings, and to date
they are mourning the loss of 33 citizens and wait desperately to learn
about 119 who are still missing. In New York's time of need, Australia
provided us with so much kindness and generosity. They supported our
efforts to defend freedom and we send our deepest condolences to the
Australian people.
Last week, we were reminded that the terrorists are still organized
and determined to inflict violence and bloodshed in furtherance of
their destructive goals. Whether it is murdering innocent people on
vacation or bombing a French tanker in Yemen or killing American
soldiers in Kuwait, those who wish to do us harm will continue to
disrupt this world until we stop them. We must maintain our resolve to
seek out and destroy every network in every country until the war on
terror has been won.
Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent the resolution and preamble be
agreed to, en bloc, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table,
and any statements in relation thereto be printed in the Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The resolution (S. Res. 350) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:
S. Res. 350
Whereas more than 180 innocent people were murdered and at
least 300 injured by a cowardly and brutal terrorist bombing
of a nightclub in Bali, Indonesia, on October 12, 2002, the
worst terrorist incident since September 11, 2001;
Whereas those killed include two United States citizens, as
well as citizens from Indonesia, Germany, the United Kingdom,
Canada, and elsewhere but the vast majority of those killed
and injured were Australian, with more than 119 Australians
still missing;
[[Page S10747]]
Whereas two American citizens are still missing;
Whereas this bloody attack appears to be part of an ongoing
terror campaign by al-Qaida, and strong evidence exists that
suggests the involvement of al-Qaida, together with Jemaah
Islamiah, in this attack; and
Whereas the people of the United States and Australia have
developed a strong friendship based on mutual respect for
democracy and freedom: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) expresses its deepest condolences and sympathies to the
families of the American victims, to the other families of
those murdered and injured in this heinous attack, and to the
people of Australia, Indonesia,Great Britain, Canada, and
Germany;
(2) condemns in the strongest possible terms the vicious
terrorist attacks of October 12, 2002, in Bali, Indonesia;
(3) expresses the solidarity of the United States with
Australia in our common struggle against terrorism;
(4) supports the Government of Australia in its call for
the al-Qaida-linked Jemaah Islamiah to be listed by the
United Nations as a terrorist group;
(5) urges the Secretary of State to designate Jemaah
Islamiah as a foreign terrorist organization; and
(6) calls on the Government of Indonesia to take every
appropriate measure to bring to justice those responsible for
this reprehensible attack.
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