[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 171 (Saturday, November 22, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2397-E2398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RICHARD BURR

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 21, 2003

  Mr. BURR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the lack of progress 
in the Middle East peace process. Aside from our own Nation's ongoing 
military operations in the war against terrorism, the Israeli-
Palestinian conflict is one of the most important foreign policy issues 
being discussed and debated by my constituents.
  Clearly, there is a wide range of points of view on this critically 
important issue, and they cover the range of the political spectrum. I 
would like to take this opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to outline some of my 
own thoughts on some of these subjects.
  I should state at the outset that I believe Israel has a right to 
defend herself against the actions of Palestinian extremists. It would 
be the height of hypocrisy, Mr. Speaker, for our own country--engaged 
in its own fight against terrorists bent our destruction--to deny 
Israel the right to pursue those bent on her destruction. Since 
obtaining independence in 1948, Israel has been engaged in a near-
constant struggle for survival.
  The current violence, and Israel's military response to it, is a 
reflection and continuation of that struggle. There are some on the 
Palestinian side, many of whom have close ties--if not direct 
connections--to Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian Authority, who desire 
nothing less than the destruction of the state of Israel. These are the 
very groups sending young Palestinians to detonate suicide bombs on 
buses, in pizza parlors, in sidewalk cafes, and even at Jewish 
religious celebrations. On that basis alone, Israel has no choice but 
to continue efforts to round up those responsible. Even prior to the 
eruption of the latest violence more than two years ago, Arafat refused 
to do so. He refuses to do so to this day.
  It is clear, Mr. Speaker, that Arafat has abdicated his position as a 
responsible negotiator

[[Page E2398]]

and representative of the best interests of the Palestinian people. On 
too many occasions, he has walked away from the peace table and given 
tacit approval to renewed violence by Palestinian extremists. Arafat 
remains--for better or worse--the ``chosen'' representative of the 
Palestinian people. For real progress to occur, however, the 
Palestinian people need a prime minister with real authority--the 
authority to go after the extremists, the authority to negotiate with 
the government of Israel, and the authority to make decisions that will 
not be overturned at Arafat's whim. If a lasting peace in the Middle 
East is the ultimate goal, and I firmly believe that it must be, the 
Palestinian people must have a capable, effective prime minister. I am 
hopeful that Ahmed Qureia, sworn in as the Palestinian prime minister 
earlier this month, will be permitted to take the steps necessary to 
end the terror attacks against Israel and return the Palestinians to 
the peace table.
  I am not opposed to the establishment of an independent Palestinian 
state. Neither, for that matter, are the people and government of 
Israel. That state, however, can only be established if it and the 
larger Arab world in turn recognize Israel's right to exist. Without 
that recognition, there can be no lasting peace. If Israel were to 
accept the establishment of an independent Palestinian state that 
maintained its opposition to Israel's existence, the country would only 
be ensuring its own destruction.
  I firmly believe that our country should continue providing financial 
and military assistance to the Israeli people. As long as the nations 
surrounding Israel continue to provide assistance to those trying to 
destroy the country, the United States should continue its efforts to 
support her. As the region's only democratically elected government, 
Israel deserves our support.
  Our Nation has an important role to play in the peace process, Mr. 
Speaker, and we should continue to do so. We can and should continue 
diplomatic efforts to bring a lasting peace to the region. It remains 
to be seen if the Arab states, which have called on us to play a more 
active role, will actually respect that role. I do not believe, 
however, that our involvement should extend to the deployment of U.S. 
troops to ``police'' any final peace agreement. Any agreement that 
requires peacekeepers to be deployed is flawed to begin with--it means 
neither side actually expects the other to abide by the agreement's 
provisions. We must pursue a comprehensive agreement that both sides 
accept.
  Having accepted Israel's right to defend herself, I also believe 
there must come a time for negotiations and a legitimate peace process. 
Israel should make every effort to limit incursions into Palestinian-
controlled areas. There must be recognition, both in this country and 
around the world, that both sides must be willing to talk. The Israelis 
have shown that willingness in the past, and have made significant 
proposals aimed at achieving a lasting peace. What remains, however, is 
the need for a serious commitment on the part of the Palestinians to 
return to the table and actively work with the Israelis.
  In order for that to happen, though, the new Palestinian leadership 
must denounce terrorism once and for all and make a firm commitment to 
restrain, arrest, detain, and destroy those militant elements in 
Palestinian areas that want the violence to continue. After all, there 
are groups who have stated that they will never accept cease-fire, nor 
respect any peace agreement. More than a firm commitment, however, the 
Palestinians must take firm action--or empower a prime minister to take 
firm action on their behalf.
  In crisis, Mr. Speaker, there is opportunity. The only thing that 
remains is for both sides to accept the challenge, and take advantage 
of the opportunity. Peace in the region is long overdue, but it will 
take the active participation of both sides to achieve it.

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