[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 165 (Monday, December 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2625]
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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 14, 2005

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker; I rise in strong support of 
today's commonsense resolution condemning the participation of 
terrorist organizations in the Palestinian elections. It is 
disappointing that Congress even needs to make this statement, yet time 
and time again, history has proven it is necessary.
  The Middle East peace process requires that the Palestinian Authority 
recognize the right of Israel to exist and that it reject the terrorism 
and violence that have plagued the region since the 1940s. It stands to 
reason that this requirement can only be met if the very organizations 
which threaten peace in the Middle East, such as Hamas and Islamic 
Jihad, are removed from the official political process.
  As it is, these organizations currently operate with little 
interference or admonition from the Palestinian Authority. Were they to 
become a part of the governing authority, the integrity of the 
Palestinian government would be compromised. Clearly, the Authority 
cannot condemn the anti-Israel and anti-American bias of the same 
groups of which it is comprised.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to reaffirm their support for 
our strong ally, Israel, and to support this resolution.

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