[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 72 (Thursday, May 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IGNORING INTERNATIONAL LAW: NIGERIA'S CONTINUING PRESENCE ON CAMEROON'S 
                           BAKASSI PENINSULA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2005

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to the 
continued failure of the Nigerian Government to respect international 
law regarding Cameroon's Bakassi Peninsula. In October 2002, the 
International Court of Justice overwhelmingly held that the Peninsula 
rightfully belongs to Cameroon. As a result, the ICJ demanded that 
Nigeria rapidly and unconditionally remove its military, police, and 
civilian officials from Cameroonian territory. Almost three years 
later, Mr. Speaker, Nigerian military forces are still on the Bakassi 
Peninsula.
  Nigerian President Obasanjo recently has taken some admirable steps 
to combat corruption and advance democracy in his country. On this key 
issue, however, Nigeria has been less than forthcoming. At the outset 
of the Bakassi dispute, President Obasanjo promised that Nigeria would 
abide by whatever decision the ICJ reached. It has not. After the ICJ 
decision, Nigeria promised that it would withdraw all of its troops by 
September 2004. It has not.
  Mr. Speaker, President Bush recently declared that the United States 
recognizes and respects its obligations to the International Court of 
Justice. We must ask for nothing less from Nigeria and our other 
friends in Africa and around the world.

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