[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  REGARDING THE SECURITY OF ISRAEL AND THE PRINCIPLES OF PEACE IN THE 
                              MIDDLE EAST

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2004

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, as always, I remain steadfastly committed to 
the security of Israel, the safety of its citizens and its right to 
exist. I am unable to support this resolution, however, because I 
believe it will contribute to further instability in the region. 
Further, it will not successfully resolve the underlying conflict. I 
strongly believe in Israel's right to exist and I have been and remain 
committed to the two state solution set forth in the Roadmap for peace; 
as former Prime Minister Rabin said: You must make peace with your 
enemies, not your friends. One cannot impose peace through unilateral 
actions.
  Sadly, Mr. Speaker, the resolution before us deviates from that Road 
Map. It does so in a manner that is not calculated to end the violence 
against Israelis. It does nothing to promote meaningful negotiations, 
and further undermines the role of the United States as an honest 
broker--our most important role. It is not for Congress--or for the 
Administration--to prejudge or predetermine the question of Israeli 
settlements or the final boarders envisioned by a final status 
agreement; that issue should be negotiated by the Israelis and 
Palestinians. For these reasons, I am unable to support this 
resolution. I fear that the policies it reflects will lead to greater 
harm and not to a resolution of the conflict--nor safety for 
civilians--that its sponsors may believe.

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