[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 68 (Friday, May 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E973]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          INTRODUCTION OF REFUGEES FROM ARAB LANDS RESOLUTION

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                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2006

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduced a legislation 
acknowledging as refugees Jewish, Christian and other minorities that 
fled from Arab lands.
  This measure serves to recognize major historical events, sheds light 
on other refugee populations that are often forgotten in discussions 
relating to Middle East peace, and underscores the need to address this 
issue in a comprehensive, balanced manner in order to resolve the 
conflict that currently exists in the Middle East.
  It is imperative that the world knows about the displacement, which 
was spurred by ethnic and religious persecution, of Jewish, Christian 
and other minorities living in the Middle East, North Africa, and the 
Persian Gulf region.
  For too long the world has failed to recognize the oppression, human 
rights violations, forced expulsion, and deprivation of assets these 
communities had to endure under Arab regimes.
  It is essential that the plight of these communities from Arab 
countries be integrated into discussions toward any agreement regarding 
the issue of refugees.

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