[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 17 (Wednesday, February 16, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1015
                       MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

  (Mr. CHOCOLA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CHOCOLA. Mr. Speaker, the recent assassination of the former 
Lebanese Prime Minister reminds us once again how fragile life can be 
in this part of the world. That is why we must remain resolute in our 
mission to support efforts in the Middle East that promote stability 
and promote peace.
  In Iraq, we are witnessing an emerging democracy that is bringing new 
hope and sovereignty to once-vanquished peoples. The recent Israeli-
Palestinian truce is the crucial step towards reestablishing the 
confidence that has so often eluded its leaders. This is a necessary 
ingredient to advance the cause of peace in a region inflicted by 
terror and violence.
  Mr. Speaker, the historic developments of the past few months are a 
ray of hope in a region that is often clouded by darkness and give us 
reason to believe that a new era has begun, one which will eventually 
lead to peace.

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