[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 96 (Thursday, June 26, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONDEMNING TERRORISM INFLICTED ON ISRAEL SINCE AQABA SUMMIT AND 
             EXPRESSING SOLIDARITY WITH THE ISRAELI PEOPLE

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                               speech of

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 25, 2003

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern over the 
recent terrorism conducted by Palestinian extremists against the 
citizens of the state of Israel. This comes just weeks after a 
groundbreaking summit where both Palestinians and Israelis came 
together and agreed to the Road Map to Peace. It is most unfortunate 
that one small sect of extremists shake the relationship between the 
two.
  My colleagues and I mourn the loss of 22 innocent Israeli citizens 
who have fallen victim to this terror since the summit. In addition, we 
morn the loss of the dozens of civilian Palestinians who have also died 
as a result of terrorism. These lives, I believe, should also be 
mentioned.
  Mr. Speaker, I will vote in favor of this measure today, but I think 
we missed a great opportunity to send a clear message that this 
Congress is fully committed, along with the President, in support of 
the Roadmap for Peace. The Roadmap recognizes the importance of 
including both Israelis and Palestinians in establishing much desired 
peace in the region. While the Roadmap may have its flaws, I believe it 
is the only way to get both parties back on the track to peace.
  The people of the United States stand firm in our commitment to the 
security and health of a democratic Israel. We must continue to do all 
we can to promote negotiations to advance the peace process in the 
Middle East. Together we can root out the terrorism that plagues the 
region and move forward with one goal in mind, peace.

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