[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 170 (Friday, November 21, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H12133-H12137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONDEMNING TERRORIST ATTACKS IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY, ON NOVEMBER 15, 2003
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 453) condemning the terrorist
attacks in Istanbul, Turkey, on November 15, 2003, expressing
condolences to the families of the individuals murdered and expressing
sympathies to the individuals injured in the terrorist attacks, and
standing in solidarity with Turkey in the fight against terrorism, as
amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
Whereas in Istanbul, Turkey, on November 15, 2003, two
explosions, set off minutes apart during Sabbath morning
services, devastated Neve Shalom, the city's largest
synagogue, and the Beth Israel Synagogue, about three miles
away;
Whereas more than 20 people, both Muslims and Jews, were
killed, and more than 300 people, both Muslims and Jews, were
wounded, in the bombing attacks on the synagogues;
Whereas on November 20, 2003, two bombs exploded at the
Consulate of the United Kingdom in Istanbul and at the HSBC
Bank;
Whereas among the more than 25 killed and 450 wounded in
the November 20 bombing attacks on the consulate general and
commercial buildings were Muslims and Christians--Turks,
British diplomats, and visitors to the Turkish Republic;
Whereas the United Kingdom is an ally of the United States
and Turkey in the global war on terrorism;
Whereas the acts of murder committed on November 15 and 20,
2003, in Istanbul, Turkey, were cowardly and brutal
manifestations of international terrorism;
Whereas the Government of Turkey immediately condemned the
terrorist attacks in the strongest possible terms and has
vowed to bring the perpetrators to just at all costs;
Whereas the United States, the United Kingdom, and Turkey
equally abhor and denounce these hateful, repugnant, and
loathsome acts of terrorism;
Whereas with anti-Semitic activities escalating the safety
and security of Jewish people throughout the world is a
matter of serious concern;
Whereas since Turkey cherishes its traditions of
hospitality and religious tolerance and in particular its
history of more than five hundred years of good Jewish-Muslim
relations, the attacks on synagogues and consular premises
came as a special shock to the Turkish people and to their
friends throughout the world;
Whereas the United States and turkey are allied by shared
values and a common interest in building a stable, peaceful,
and prosperous world;
Whereas Turkey, a predominantly Muslim nation with a
secular government, has close relations with Israel and is
also the only predominantly Muslim member of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization; and
Whereas as the acts of murder committed on November 15 and
20, 2003 show again that terrorism respects neither
boundaries nor borders:
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of
Representatives
(1) condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist
attacks in Istanbul, Turkey, on November 15 and 20, 2003;
(2) expresses its condolences to the families of the
individuals murdered in the terrorist attacks, expresses its
sympathies to the individuals injured in the attacks, and
conveys its hope for the rapid and complete recovery of all
such injured individuals;
(3) expresses its condolences to the people and government
of the Turkish Republic and of the United Kingdom over the
losses they have suffered; and
(4) expresses its solidarity with the United Kingdom, the
Turkish republic, and all other countries which stand united
against terrorism and which work together to bring to justice
the perpetrators of these and other terrorist attacks.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).
General Leave
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that
all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and
extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the
resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New Jersey?
There was no objection.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Madam Speaker, the resolution before us condemns the terrorist
attacks in Istanbul last Saturday as well as yesterday morning. I want
to thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), my friend, for
proffering this resolution and for the prompt consideration that is
being given to it by our leadership in scheduling it very quickly
before the body today.
This resolution conveys our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the
victims and their families and states that the United States stands in
solidarity with the Turkish people in the fight against terrorism.
These attacks, Madam Speaker, bear all the hallmarks of al Qaeda, and
that terrorist group has claimed responsibility for these cruel and
cowardly acts.
This demonstrates, once again, that the target of global terrorists
is not just the United States of America, but all those who reject
their hateful vision of a clash of civilizations and governments by
religious extremism.
[[Page H12134]]
I thought President Bush in the United Kingdom the other day said it
so well when he said, ``I want to express my deep sympathy for the loss
of life in Turkey. The nature of the terrorist enemy is evident once
again. We see their contempt, their utter contempt, for innocent life.
They hate freedom,'' the President went on. ``They hate free nations.
Today, once again, we saw their ambitions of murder. The cruelty is
part of their strategy. The terrorists hope to intimidate; they hope to
demoralize. They particularly want to intimidate and demoralize free
nations. They're not going to succeed.''
Madam Speaker, despite some significant human rights issues, and no
one has been more of a critic of Turkey than I have in the past,
although they are making some progress, despite all of that, Turkey
remains one of the few successful democracies in the Muslim world, with
a tradition of religious tolerance. The Turkish Republic is an example
of how a predominantly Muslim country can enjoy a secular, democratic
government. Turkey has shown that the Islamic faith of its citizens and
a secular democracy can flourish side by side.
By targeting synagogues and Turkish citizens of the Jewish faith on
Saturday, the terrorists attacked the notion that Muslims can live in
peace and harmony with other faiths. It was a profoundly anti-Semitic
act. The terrorists know that the successful example of Turkey lays
bear the emptiness of their own hateful vision. It is working in
Turkey, and yet now they are trying to give a different impression to
the world.
By targeting the British Consulate General and a leading British
bank, these terrorists viciously illustrated that all of our allies and
their targets must remain united with our allies in the fight against
terrorism.
Madam Speaker, these contemptible acts killed almost 50 people,
including the British Consul General in Istanbul, and injured more than
750 innocent people. Our deepest condolences go out to their families
and to their nations.
Turkey has been a strong American ally, as we all know, the
underbelly of NATO for more than 50 years. By agreeing to this
resolution, we affirm our mutual commitment to that common defense.
I would remind my colleagues that after the September 11 of 2001
attacks, NATO invoked its collective defense clause, declaring that the
al Qaeda attacks in the United States were attacks against the entire
alliance.
{time} 1200
I thought British Prime Minister Tony Blair summed it up very well
when he said, ``And when they say is this an attack directed against
our alliance, indeed, it is directed against anybody who stands in the
way of that fanaticism'' he went on to say, ``That is why our response
has got to be to say to them as clearly as we possibly can, you are not
going to defeat us because our will to defend what we believe is, in
actuality, and in the end, stronger, better, more determined than your
will to inflict damage on innocent people.''
Madam Speaker, let me conclude by saying this: Turkey and the United
Kingdom both played important roles to drive al Qaeda from its base in
Afghanistan and to replace the Taliban government that harbored those
terrorists. They were the first two countries to command the
International Security Assistance Force, which has stabilized the Kabul
region and supported the Karzai government. Turkey and the United
Kingdom stood by the United States when our Nation was the target of
global terrorism. By passing this timely resolution today in a
bipartisan way, Democrats, Republicans, moderates, liberals and
conservatives, we affirm our determination to stand by our longtime
allies and to defeat the terrorists who bear the guilt for these highly
reprehensible acts.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I am strongly in support of this resolution.
First, let me pay tribute to my dear friend, the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Hastings), for initiating this important legislation and
to recognize the contributions of my friends, the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Wexler) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith). I
particularly want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde)
for being so gracious late yesterday afternoon in expediting the
handling of this legislation.
Madam Speaker, at least 50 people are dead and over 700 are injured
in a sickening and appalling wave of suicide bombings in Istanbul over
this past week. The attacks targeted Jewish places of worship and
British governmental and business institutions; but the overwhelming
majority of the victims are Muslim Turks, proof positive of the total
cynicism and utter phoniness of these so-called Islamist assassins.
This is not just a war on the Jews, though it is also that. It is not
just a war on the British or on our own country, although it is that.
It is a war on the entire civilized and democratic world and its
values. It is now clear that al Qaeda and its Turkish supporters have
declared war on the democratic Republic of Turkey as part of that
overall assault. Al Qaeda recognizes that the existence of Turkey, 99
percent Muslim, pro-Western, a secular democracy on the frontiers of
the Western world, makes a mockery of al Qaeda's religious extremism.
These terrorists want to roll back Western values by destabilizing and
destroying Turkish democracy.
Madam Speaker, the Turkish Government has behaved admirably in this
dark hour. It condemned the action and it vowed to catch the
perpetrators, and I have no doubt that they shall. Now, the hard work
of finding these terrorists, destroying their cells, and preventing
future attacks begins.
The Turkish Government and the Turkish people should know that the
American people will be steadfast in our support of them in this dark
hour. All civilized nations must do likewise. The Turkish Interior
Minister is correct to dismiss what he calls the crocodile tears of
those who express condolences, but do nothing to fight terrorism.
Madam Speaker, we mourn the deaths, we pray for the wounded, and our
hearts go out to the families of all of the victims. And to all the
citizens of Istanbul and all of Turkey whose lives have been so
brutally violated, let us honor them by joining with Turkey and with
all who believe in freedom to fight the extremist criminals who want to
end our way of life. They will fail and we shall prevail. I strongly
support this resolution, and I urge all of my colleagues to do
likewise.
Madam Speaker, I am delighted to yield 6 minutes to the distinguished
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), my good friend and the author of
this resolution.
Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I want to begin by thanking
my good friend of long-standing here in the House of Representatives
and a vigorous fighter for human rights and the protector of the rights
of people who are set upon as this despicable act has done. I would
also like to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), my
friend, and have him to know that I, along with him, am deeply saddened
because so many of our colleagues that we serve with in the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe were affected. I
have contacted Bruce George, our President's office from the U.K., and
Dr. Yaleintas, or Professor Yaleintas, and expressed our condolences to
them.
Most importantly, I would like to thank the gentleman from Illinois
(Chairman Hyde), as the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) has
already, for expediting this matter for us and giving us an opportunity
to go to the majority leader and the minority leader; and I thank them
for expediting this process. The majority leader's office has been
extremely helpful in that regard.
It would be remiss of me if I did not take this opportunity to
commend the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler), who is my good friend
and my soulmate geographically in Florida, as well as in our
friendship; the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger) and the gentleman
from Kentucky (Mr. Whitfield) from the majority side, my good friends
that I have gotten to know through our efforts, not only in this
resolution, but others; and also the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms.
Berkley); and countless others who have had direct involvement.
[[Page H12135]]
I had the good fortune less than 2 months ago to travel to Turkey
with Brent Scowcroft, and it was the most illuminating and enlightening
experience. It was not my first visit to Turkey; I have been there now
a total of seven times.
On November 15, 2003, two explosions set off minutes apart devastated
Nev Shalom Synagogue, Istanbul's largest synagogue and symbolic center
to the city's 25,000-member Jewish community, and the Beth Israel
Synagogue about 3 miles away. In addition, yesterday, explosions hit
the Turkish headquarters of the London-based HSBC Bank and the British
Consulate General, killing at least 26 people, including Roger Short,
someone that I knew and the British Consul-General, and wounding over
450.
In the span of 5 days, terror claimed over 50 lives and injured more
than 800 people in Turkey.
The House of Representatives gathers here today united in expressing
that we abhor and denounce these hateful, repugnant, and loathsome acts
of terrorism. We gather here to, in unison, make sure that the world
understands our outrage by this week's attacks.
The United States is determined to stand by Turkey in the fight
against the scourge of terrorism. The acts of murder committed in
Istanbul were a cowardly and brutal manifestation of the moral vacuum
directing the disease of international terrorism. My and all of our
heartfelt condolences go out to the victims and their families.
Madam Speaker, the United States and Turkey are natural allies based
on our shared values and common interests in building a stable,
peaceful, and prosperous world. Moreover, as a predominantly Muslim
nation with a secular government, Turkey is an example, as the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) has pointed out, of a successful
secular Muslim democracy. Turkey is a pivotal showcase of the Muslim
world that fundamentalists hate. Turkey is an ally of the United States
and a friend of Israel and is NATO's only predominantly Muslim member.
It has supported the war against terrorism, commandeering and offering
peacekeeping forces in Afghanistan and offering peacekeepers for Iraq.
Terrorism respects neither boundaries nor borders. Instead, it
intends to harm every nation that respects democracy, freedom,
equality, and the rule of law.
These acts further demonstrate that the war on terrorism is not a war
between civilizations. The attacks in Turkey were perpetrated by Muslim
terrorists against a predominantly Muslim nation. They suggest that
this is not a religious war, but one that is based on politics,
culture, and our way of life.
Madam Speaker, I conclude by once again denouncing these vial, anti-
Semitic, and anti-Muslim attacks against men, women, and children and
expressing my sympathies to the individuals and families of the
victims. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may
consume to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Whitfield), my good friend
and colleague.
Mr. WHITFIELD. Madam Speaker, I think it is certainly appropriate
that we at this time are speaking about the nation of Turkey. As the
gentleman from Florida so eloquently stated, Turkey has been a loyal
ally of the U.S., a member of NATO, a Muslim secular country that is a
great model for a Muslim democracy. Turkey has played a vital role and
I think can play a much more vital role in helping with peace in the
Middle East. They have a great relationship with the country of Israel.
They have a large Jewish population and, as I said earlier, it is a 99
percent Muslim country.
We all abhor violence of any kind, and these acts of terrorism that
seem to become more frequent throughout the world are causing all of us
great heartache: the families that are involved, the suffering that is
involved, the senselessness of the acts.
So I stand here today simply to express my condolences to the
families in Turkey, to the nation of Turkey, and remind the American
people, once again, that Turkey is a valuable and important ally of the
United States. We have common interests, and I am quite confident that
our nations will continue to work for peace in the Middle East and, by
acts of goodness and kindness, will eventually be able to overcome
these random acts of violence, this planned terrorism around the world.
Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to
the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley), a distinguished member of
the Committee on International Relations and a steadfast fighter
against global terrorism.
Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from
California (Mr. Lantos) for giving me the opportunity to speak and
share my thoughts with my colleagues, and the gentleman from New Jersey
(Mr. Smith) for being stellar on this issue.
I rise today, Madam Speaker, in strong support of House Resolution
453, condemning the terrorist attacks in Istanbul, Turkey, on November
15 of this year and expressing my sincerest condolences to the victims
and their families.
{time} 1215
This past Saturday, as they gathered together to observe the holy
Sabbath, two explosions devastated the Jewish community in Istanbul,
Turkey. The first occurred at the city's largest synagogue and symbolic
center to the city's 25,000-member Jewish community and the second at
Beth Israel synagogue about three miles away.
More than 20 people lost their lives and more than 300 were injured
as terrorism, yet again, tore the fabric of civilized society and
shattered innocent lives. Most of those killed in the blasts,
ironically, were Muslim Turks who lived or worked near the synagogues
who were passing by when the bombs exploded. This is not the first time
that al-Qaeda has targeted the Jewish institutions. In 2002, they
killed 12 people in an attack at a synagogue in Tunisia.
The Turkish Government immediately condemned the terrorist attacks in
the strongest possible terms and I am pleased that the Turkish people
have reacted in strong solidarity with the Nation's small and long-
established Jewish community.
Madam Speaker, as a youngster growing up in Las Vegas, I belonged to
the Jewish youth groups, and occasionally the Anti-Defamation League
would bring in films of the liberation of the concentration camps in
World War II. I cannot minimize the impact of those films and their
impact on my life then and now. And I would sit there and watch the
films and ask myself how could one human being do such a horrific thing
to another, and how is it that more people throughout the world did not
stand up and vilify this horrific act.
I am here in the United States of America because my grandparents
walked across Europe in order to come to this country to escape the
persecution that 6 million of my fellow Jews were unable to escape in
World War II. For me to have the opportunity to be on the floor of the
House of Representatives and not condemn this horrific act of terrorism
would be a shame and an insult to not only the 20 people that lost
their lives recently in Istanbul, but the millions of other people
across the world, Jewish and not Jewish, who have lost their lives
senselessly and needlessly to terrorists.
I call upon my colleagues to join us, and vote for this resolution
taking a strong stance against bigotry and intolerance, racism and
anti-Semitism, violence and terrorism. These are very difficult and
challenging times that we are living through. But it is incumbent upon
all Americans, we in the House of Representatives leading the way, to
stand up and condemn this sort of activity before it becomes pervasive
and matter of fact.
Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Wexler), my good friend, a distinguished member of the
Committee on International Relations.
Mr. WEXLER. Madam Speaker, I want to also thank my good friend and
close associate, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), and my
colleagues on the Congressional Turkey Caucus for initiating this
vitally important resolution condemning the horrific terrorist attacks
in Turkey over the past week. I also want to thank the gentleman from
Illinois (Chairman Hyde), the gentleman from California (Ranking Member
Lantos),
[[Page H12136]]
the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), for especially expeditiously
bringing this very important resolution to the Floor.
I rise to express my most profound and heartfelt condolences to the
Turkish people and to the Turkish Government on the terrorist attacks
in Istanbul and pledge the support of each Member of Congress as we
listen to this debate in the full Congress to bring to justice those
individuals responsible for these heinous acts. Americans know all too
well the horrors of terror, and today we mourn with the Turkish and
British people for this senseless loss of life.
Madam Speaker, the recent bombings in Turkey epitomize the fact that
terrorism knows no boundaries and does not distinguish between
religion, nation or culture. What these attacks demonstrate the common
thread of terror facing the United States, Turkey, and our allies
throughout the world. They also serve as a solemn reminder of our
Nation's shared principles of democracy, freedom, tolerance, and the
pursuit of peace.
For over 50 years Turkey has stood shoulder to shoulder with the
United States as a valued strategic partner, Nato ally, and friend. It
is in this same spirit of partnership that the United States and the
American people stand today with the Turkish people, ready to assist in
punishing those murderers who carried out these cowardly actions.
Together we will continue our pursuit of justice so that we may ensure
that all victims of terror, whether in Turkey, the United States or
elsewhere throughout the world, will not have died in vain.
As the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings) stated earlier, I too
have had the privilege of visiting Turkey on many occasions. The
Turkish people are a warm and caring people. They have great national
pride, they are patriots. That will continue. And we, the American
people, must continue to assist them in their pursuit of terrorism
within their boundaries.
Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, before yielding back our time, I would merely like to
mention that a number of us coming back from Baghdad were in Ankara,
Turkey's capital, just a couple of weeks ago. We had a lengthy and
significant discussion with the distinguished Foreign Minister of
Turkey. We reaffirmed, as did our Turkish counterparts, our firm
commitment to fight terrorism globally. These tragic events in Istanbul
since our visit to Ankara underscore the urgency and the importance of
our stand. I call on all of our colleagues to support this very
important resolution.
Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, this Member, as a cosponsor of the
resolution and a committed friend of the Turkish people, rises in
strong support of H. Res. 453. This Member would like to thank the
distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings) for introducing
this very timely resolution. Mr. Hastings has worked closely with
Members and staff of the Committee on International Relations and its
Europe Subcommittee--including the distinguished ranking members of the
full committee and subcommittee, Mr. Lantos and Mr. Wexler--to craft
the resolution that is before us this morning.
This Member would also like to thank the distinguished gentleman from
New Jersey (Mr. Smith) for his leadership on this issue and his very
thoughtful remarks. Mr. Smith is the leader of the U.S. delegation to
the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe, and Mr. Hastings is an active member of that
delegation, and this Member commends them for their work.
Madam Speaker, this Member serves as President of the NATO
Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) and Chairman of the House Delegation.
Though such assemblies, Members get to know their counterparts from
other nations first-hand and to visit these nations to understand more
about these lands and their people.
This Member already has written to Mr. Vahit Erdem, the chairman of
the Turkish delegation, expressing our deepest sympathies to the
Turkish parliament and the Turkish people, particularly the families of
the victims.
One year ago, the NATO PA met in Istanbul, in a conference center
overlooking the Bosporus straits, separating Europe from Asia. From our
hotel rooms, we could look south to see the Taksim neighborhood that
was devastated by the bombing of the British Consulate General
yesterday. Indeed, several of us had the opportunity at night to stroll
the busy, historic streets of that district.
As we discussed the key issues in the transAtlantic relationship, we
also had an opportunity to experience the great city of Istanbul, one
of the most historically important cities in the world. Istanbul
literally lies between Europe and Asia, the only city in the world on
two continents, and its history is that of a bridge between east and
west.
The reprehensible terrorist attacks of last Saturday, directed
against Turks of the Jewish faith, were an attempt to directly assault
the religious tolerance that has been a hallmark of the Turkish
Republic. Yesterday's attacks, against the British Consulate and a
British bank, were an attack on the strong ties between Turkey and its
allies in Europe and in North America and on the long and extraordinary
transAtlantic relationship between the United Kingdom and the United
States of America by further inflaming the British critics of the Iraq
war and our transAtlantic relationship.
Sadly, they remind us that international terrorism remains a grave
threat to all nations of the North Atlantic Alliance. Two years ago,
when NATO invoked Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, both Turkey
and the United Kingdom showed that they were prepared to play a leading
role in the war against terrorism, both alternatively taking the
command of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.
We remember their clear and strongly anti-terrorism, pro-American
response to the al-Qaeda attacks on the United States, and in this
resolution today, we pledge our support to Turkey in response to this
latest terrorist atrocity.
NATO already has declared that the September 11, 2001, attacks by al
Qaeda constituted an attack on the entire Alliance. Likewise, these
attacks on an ally are an attack on all allies. Article 5 has already
been invoked against al Qaeda. As a result NATO today is in
Afghanistan, working to defeat that terrorist organization and their
Taliban allies.
In the words of Lord Robertson, the NATO secretary general: ``If we
fail, we will find Afghanistan on all of our doorsteps. Worse still,
NATO's credibility will be shattered, along with that of every NATO
government. Who will stand with us in the war against terror if we take
on a commitment such as this and then fail to deliver?''
The bombings in Istanbul are a vicious reminder of the stakes in the
global war on terrorism and the need to ensure that Afghanistan never
again becomes a haven for those who seek to murder our people and
destroy our societies. We all must provide the resources needed to win
this war and protect our citizens.
Madam Speaker, in closing, this Member urges his colleague to pass
this resolution.
Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to offer my condolences to the
Turkish people and the Turkish government for the horrific terrorist
attacks in Istanbul on November 15 and 20.
As al Qaeda has proved again and again, they intend to fight this
21st Century's first global war against civilians and non-combatants.
As we have proved again and again, we will fight this war wherever it
flares up. And we will win, because we have the fortitude to do the
right thing.
Turkey is one of our strongest allies in the fight on global
terrorism--and has repeatedly stood by our side in NATO matters (as a
NATO ally) and in the war on terror, in understated ways. I have a
number of friends and people we know there, that I met on numerous
House Armed Services Committee trips to visit NATO allies.
All South Texans condemn the cowardly and senseless killing of
innocent people in Turkey, one of the finest examples of a democracy in
practice, and one of the few Muslim nations to practice democracy.
We have shared principles of democracy, freedom, tolerance and the
pursuit of peace--and today we stand with our Turkish friends. Those
who opposed democracy will eventually learn that to kill democracy is
to kill all those who love democracy. Al Qaeda doesn't have enough
bombs to kill all those who love democratic principals around the
world.
My family and I are praying for the families and victims injured and
perished in this atrocity.
The United States Congress hereby offers our judgment that this
attack was cowardly, and we stand with our Turkish friends in this hour
of great loss.
Mr. POMEROY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this
resolution condemning the terrorist attacks in Istanbul, Turkey on
November 15 and 20, 2003. I wish to express my most sincere and
heartfelt condolences to the Turkish government and the relatives of
those killed or injured. My thoughts are with Turkey and its people in
this time of sorrow.
If there is one thing these cowardly acts have demonstrated, it is
that terrorism knows no borders. These catastrophic attacks were not
just an attack on Turkey, but an attack on humanity and civilization.
As Americans who have experienced terrorism firsthand, we share in
Turkey's grief.
[[Page H12137]]
I am convinced that the United States must stand shoulder to shoulder
with Turkey as it defends its safety and protects its liberty by
bringing to justice those responsible for these heinous acts. Together,
we must stand ready to provide any assistance deemed necessary to
ensure that justice is served--not solely to account for the lives
taken and injuries inflicted against the Turkish people, but in defense
of freedom around the world.
In the end, Madam Speaker, these tragedies will be remembered as a
time of incredible loss and sadness. But it will also mark a time when
America and Turkey came even closer together to respond to global
terrorism. We are united today as never to ensure that terrorism is
defeated, completely and finally.
Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, today I come to the House floor
in strong support of H. Res. 453, a House resolution condemning the
terrorist attacks in Istanbul, Turkey and expressing condolences to the
families of the individuals murdered.
On November 15 and 20, four horrific terrorist attacks rocked
Istanbul. Two Jewish synagogues, the British Consulate and the London-
based HSBC bank were the targets. Faceless, cowardly terrorists who
thrive on inflicting fear and terror on the innocent carried out these
attacks. These recent attacks epitomize the fact that terrorism knows
no boundaries and does not distinguish between religion, nationality or
culture.
Terrorism must be condemned in the strongest terms whenever and
wherever it occurs. The Government of Turkey appropriately did so and
has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. But, no one country can
do this alone. In order for the perpetrators of terrorism to be brought
to justice, all the countries of the world must stand united against
terrorism that targets the civilized world.
For over fifty years, Turkey has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the
U.S. as one of our most valued strategic partners and it is only
fitting that Congress express sympathy for those murdered and wounded,
extend condolences to the bereaved families and affirm our unity with
Turkey in the ongoing fight against terror. I am pleased that the House
Leadership scheduled H. Res. 453 for floor action today.
Mr. ROTHMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my sorrow and
rage over the Saturday bombings of the Neve Shalom and Beth Israel
synagogues and the Thursday bombings of the British Consulate and HSBC
Bank in Istanbul, Turkey. Tragically, 51 innocent victims of the War on
Terror have died in Turkey this week and over 750 were wounded. These
victims died or were wounded simply because they gathered to pray on a
Saturday morning in honor of Shabbat, the Jewish day of reflection and
rest, or were going about their normal daily lives in Istanbul.
Turkish officials have identified the bombers of the Neve Shalom and
Beth Israel synagogues as Turkish militants, with possible connections
to al Qaeda, who loaded bombs, each with about 500 pounds of ammonium
sulfate, nitrate, and fuel oil, into trucks they pulled in front of the
synagogues and detonated nearly simultaneously. Among those who died
were 6 Jews and 17 Muslims--each buried near the remains of the 22
victims killed in a 1986 bombing at Neve Shalom. Initial reports
indicate that truck bombs were also used in the terrorist attacks
against the British Consulate and London based HSBC Holdings, which
killed at least 27 and wounded over 450 people.
Madam Speaker, approximately 30,000 Jews live in Turkey--a 99.8%
Muslim nation. For years Jews have lived peacefully and freely and have
in fact thrived in a predominately Muslim nation. Much of this is due
to Turkey's historically good treatment of its Jewish residents--dating
back to the early influx of Jews during the Spanish Inquisition and
later to Turkey's refusal to deport and exterminate its Jewish
population during the Holocaust despite its longstanding relationship
with Germany. Today, a benevolent relationship has grown between the
Turkish and Israeli governments who share close ties and hold joint
military exercises.
The attacks in Turkey this week aim to undermine the relationship
between Turkey, the U.S., and Britain, and highlight the growing
resurgence of al Qaeda and its worldwide network. The attacks in Turkey
follow the suspected hand of al Qaeda in incidents in Saudi Arabia,
Indonesia, and Morocco. The attacks on Thursday also highlight the fact
that Turkey is a secular Muslim country that leans West through its
business dealings, culture, and government affairs. The terrorists are
determined to undermine the links between Turkey and the Western world.
Madam Speaker, as fighting has flared up in Iraq and al Qaeda has
again regrouped and gained strength, and as President Bush returns from
his trip to England while Israel and the Palestinian Authority
tentatively reach out to each other in hopes of a cease fire and peace,
now is not the time to turn our backs on the War on Terror. Now is the
time to stand together with our friends and allies around the world as
we all mourn those who died in Turkey this past week and those we have
lost to terror attacks in the past, while jointly taking a stand to
continue to fight for our survival in our war of self-defense against
these madmen. We must work to ensure that all our allies help us root
out terror at its source by sharing intelligence, auditing finances and
doing whatever else is necessary in the hopes that like the Jews and
Muslims have done for years in Turkey: we can all live together in
peace.
Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests
for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Biggert). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 453, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and
nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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