[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 45 (Friday, April 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING THE PEOPLE OF LEBANON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 14, 2005

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the people 
of Lebanon, who have stood up against fear and oppression, and have 
embraced the idea of a democratic future. Hundreds of thousands of 
Lebanese patriots have taken to the streets of Beirut to demand 
national self-determination and real democratic rule. Their courage has 
led to the withdrawal of Syrian forces, and created the opportunity for 
a peaceful transition of power.
  Lebanon's history has not been an easy one. The 15-year civil war 
begun in 1975 produced national upheaval and chaos, and pitted ethnic 
groups against each other. It left around 100,000 people dead, and the 
country in total disrepair. The civil war ended in 1990, but Syrian 
forces continued to occupy Lebanon. Syria, one of the region's foremost 
supporters of terrorism, has been heavily involved in Lebanese 
politics, and has used fear and intimidation to suppress the voice of 
its people. The citizens of Lebanon have bravely taken a stand against 
terrorism so as to inspire a truly free, democratic society. Now that 
Syrian forces have begun to withdraw, there is an opportunity for 
Lebanon to create a social and political contract that establishes the 
rights of each individual regardless of religion, race, creed, or 
ethnicity. It is vital that Lebanon continue its progression towards a 
true democratic peace by holding free and transparent elections, on 
time, as scheduled, under the supervision of international observers.
  The Lebanese people have recognized that there exists an alternative 
to the brutal, autocratic governments of the past. They seek a new 
beginning, and a new voice. Their courage has begun a process of reform 
that has sent ripple effects across the broader Middle East and around 
the world. I admire their courage to stand up against terrorism and 
peacefully demand change, and encourage my colleagues to voice their 
support for the citizens of Lebanon and recognize their historic 
movement towards democracy.

                          ____________________