[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 96 (Thursday, July 20, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CONDEMNING THE RECENT ATTACKS AGAINST THE STATE OF ISRAEL

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                               speech of

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2006

  Mr. MICHAUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 921.
  We must fully and clearly condemn the attacks on sovereign, 
undisputed Israeli territory as the terrorist attacks that they are. 
The June 25th murders and kidnapping carried out by Hamas are an act of 
war. The July 12th murders and kidnappings carried out by Hezbollah are 
an act of war. As a sovereign state, Israel has the right to defend 
itself and its citizens from these attacks.
  Hezbollah must immediately stop its attacks on innocent Israelis. All 
provisions of United Nations Resolution 1559 calling for the complete 
withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon and the dismantlement of 
all independent militias in Lebanon must be fully implemented. Iran and 
Syria must end their proxy war with Israel at the expense of the 
Lebanese, Israeli, and Palestinian people.
  Israel has the right to defend itself from these most recent criminal 
attacks, but I believe Israel must show restraint and limit civilian 
casualties as it struggles to end the threat posed by the terrorist 
organization Hezbollah--an organization which is responsible for more 
American deaths in recent decades than any other group except Al Qaeda. 
The Lebanese government must be able in the future to provide security 
within its own country and return to the path of peace and mutual 
security. That is the path of hope.
  We all look toward the day when a secure Israel can live in peace 
with its neighbors, including a sovereign democratic and peaceful 
Palestinian state. If we are ever going to reach that goal, a goal 
shared by a majority of the world, then the United States and the 
international community must be fully diplomatically engaged in ending 
the terror and violence suffered in the region. My thoughts and prayers 
are with the innocent Israelis, Palestinians, Lebanese and foreign 
nationals who are all in harm's way.
  I condemn this new escalation of violence and the terrorist attacks 
on Israel. I join my colleagues in standing with our ally Israel during 
this time of struggle. I call on the terrorist groups to release their 
hostages and turn away from the path of violence. I pray for lasting 
peace and mutual security and prosperity for all who suffer through 
this terrible conflict.

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