[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E181-E182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2005

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, last week I missed two important votes 
relating to elections in the troubled Middle East. H. Res. 56 commends 
the Palestinian people for the free election held on January 9, 2005, 
and H. Res. 60 relates to the election held in Iraq on January 30, 
2005. I rise today to say that I would have voted ``yes'' on both H. 
Res. 56 and H. Res. 60.
  On Sunday, January 30, millions of Iraqis voted in a free election 
for the first time in their lives. Many walked great distances and 
nearly all risked their lives to exercise this new right. Though I 
opposed the war, the election that took place in Iraq is something to 
be celebrated. In addition to commending the people of Iraq, I would 
like to commend our men and women in the armed services. Without their 
hard work and bravery in developing and executing a complex security 
plan, this most successful election would not have been possible.
  Now that the people of Iraq have had a free election, we need to put 
our efforts into helping them find ways to defeat the insurgency, 
involve all religious and ethnic persuasions in the political process 
and ensure that the rights of minorities are protected as they continue 
to draft a Constitution.
  In addition, it is important that the United States look toward 
developing an exit strategy. In reality, this should have been done 
before we initiated military operations. We need to continue to train 
and equip Iraqi security forces. In order to properly do this, we need 
to have an accurate assessment of the capabilities of those forces now.
  The free election in Iraq was an achievement that cannot be 
understated. That said, we have a vested interest in a secure and 
democratic Iraq and while the election was an important milestone, we 
need to look ahead to a time when our work over there is done and our 
troops can come home.
  Now, turning to the recent elections in the Palestinian Territories. 
I would like to commend Dr. Mahmoud Abbas on his election as the second 
President of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people for 
making their voices heard. The elections on January 9 were conducted 
under difficult circumstances, including ongoing violence and a limited 
ability for candidates to campaign. Despite these challenges, an 
amazing 70 percent of registered voters turned out, according to Dr. 
Hana Nasir, head of the Palestinian Central Election Commission. The 
Palestinian people, political organizations, and presidential 
candidates all deserve praise for this significant step forward. 
Moreover, although voters in East Jerusalem experienced difficulties, 
elsewhere in the West Bank and Gaza Israel facilitated the election 
process. For this Israel also deserves commendation.
  International observers--including some of our colleagues here--state 
that the elections were free and fair. Allow me to share a few key 
observations of the International Observer Delegation organized by the 
National Democratic Institute and the Carter Center.

       The election was contested vigorously and administered 
     fairly. Election day was orderly and generally peaceful.
       The process, organized in just 60 days in accordance with 
     the Palestinian Basic Law and under difficult circumstances 
     of the ongoing conflict and occupation, represents a step 
     forward for Palestinian democracy.
       Seven presidential candidates competed in the election, 
     presenting Palestinians with a choice among distinct points 
     of view. . . . This is a tribute to the seriousness of the 
     political competitors and to the Palestinian people's desire 
     to respect political pluralism.


[[Page E182]]


  Following the death of Yasser Arafat, many predicted that the 
Palestinian Authority would crumble into complete chaos. In fact, 
Palestinian institutions proved more resilient, and the Palestinian 
people showed greater determination for peace and self-determination 
than many expected. Consequently, the transition of power from 
President Arafat to President Abbas stands as a model for the region to 
emulate.
  Mr. Speaker, the Palestinian elections of January 9 were clearly a 
proud day for Palestinians and a very positive step forward in the 
effort to broaden the reach peaceful, civil interaction. It is a clear 
mandate for President Abbas to pursue his agenda of peaceful 
negotiations with Israel in order to establish a viable, sovereign, and 
independent Palestinian state. It is now incumbent on the United States 
and Israel to support President Abbas in his effort to consolidate 
power, to generate political and economic benefits for the Palestinian 
people, and to engage seriously in the negotiation of a peace 
settlement. The recipe for a final agreement has been apparent to most 
of us for some time. Now all the ingredients appear to be assembled. 
Those interested in creating peace have no reason or excuse not to move 
forward.

                          ____________________