[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 163 (Saturday, December 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   PROVIDING THAT HAMAS AND OTHER TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS SHOULD NOT 
         PARTICIPATE IN ELECTIONS HELD BY PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY

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                               speech of

                           HON. ROBERT WEXLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 14, 2005

  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues for joining me 
in introducing this critical resolution, which states unequivocally 
that Hamas should not be permitted to participate in the upcoming 
Palestinian elections unless it disarms, renounces terrorism, ceases 
incitement and recognizes Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state.
  Since its establishment in 1987, Hamas has used terrorism as a means 
of achieving its primary political goal--that is, the destruction of 
Israel. Hamas has masterminded and carried-out numerous terrorist 
attacks, and are responsible for maiming thousands and killing hundreds 
of innocent Israelis in addition to 26 Americans.
  As we approach the Palestinian parliamentary election on January 25, 
Hamas has opted to participate--for the first time--in the political 
process. While this presents a unique opportunity for the Palestinian 
Authority to delineate red lines for political participation--including 
the denunciation of terror and disarming of militant groups--no 
preconditions have been set. Instead, the Palestinian Authority has sat 
by as Hamas continues to assert its right to run for the parliament as 
a means of promoting its unconscionable agenda of incitement and terror 
against Israel.
  The upcoming Palestinian election presents a critical test for 
President Mahmoud Abbas, who has, thus far, failed to dismantle 
terrorist organizations such as the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and 
Hamas. The recent suicide bombing in Netanya served as a painful 
reminder that Mr. Abbas's plan for ``one authority, one gun'' has yet 
to be realized, and this resolution is intended to send him a message 
that he must translate empty rhetoric into concrete action on the 
ground.
  The disarmament of Hamas and the true implementation of ``one 
authority, one gun'' is in the best interest of the Palestinian people, 
and the essential first step toward creating an atmosphere conducive to 
peace.

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