[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 97 (Friday, July 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1477]
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. SAM FARR

                             of calilfornia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2006

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the 
families who have lost loved ones in the recent escalation of violence 
in the Middle East. I am pleased that H. Res. 921 expresses Congress's 
``condolences to all families of innocent victims of recent violence.''
  The United States is faced with a harsh reality that peace in the 
Middle East has been so elusive. Yet we cannot, we must not, stop 
trying to broker peace. The U.S. cannot turn its back on the families 
in the Middle East and must not conclude that constant war is 
inevitable. The U.S. must step up to the challenge of engaging the 
Israelis, Palestinians, and Lebanese and all the Middle East nations 
who want a lasting peace. I am not willing to give up hope that peace 
in the region can be achieved and nor should this administration.
  It is imperative to remember that this region is very complex, and 
that there are forces working for peace and forces that crave war. 
Benjamin Franklin once said, ``There was never a good war or a bad 
peace.'' It is time for this administration to remember these important 
words. The Middle East conflict has largely been pushed to the back 
burner by this administration with serious repercussions for U.S. 
national security interests. The U.S. must stop performing band-aid 
diplomacy and focus on long-term solutions to move toward peace. 
History should have taught us that violence only begets more violence 
and all actors involved need to recognize the mutual benefits of peace.
  We are faced with a vital question--where can we go from here? First 
and foremost, Hezbollah and Hamas must disarm and recognize Israel's 
right to exist. Armed political parties that use brute force do not 
foster peaceful solutions. Israel has survived five major wars since 
its inception. This country lives in constant defense mode because 
terrorist organizations surrounding it still harbor hope of its 
destruction. The U.S. must continue its steadfast support of Israel, 
and all countries in the region must abide by U.N. resolutions that 
promote a two-state solution.
  The loss of civilian lives in the Middle East is tragic and continued 
violence makes the challenge of achieving peace more difficult. The 
U.S. must renew a serious diplomatic effort in the region.

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