[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1895-E1896]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 AFFIRMING SUPPORT FOR THE SOVEREIGNTY AND SECURITY OF LEBANON AND THE 
                            LEBANESE PEOPLE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 25, 2006

  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the amended 
version of H. Res. 1017, introduced by my colleague Tom Lantos, which 
affirms support for the sovereignty and security of Lebanon and the 
Lebanese people.
  Mr. Speaker, what this resolution now does is urge the Government of 
Lebanon to request assistance from the international community for 
military and other forms of support in securing their border with 
Syria, in order to end the flow of weapons to Hezbollah.
  I want to thank Chairman Hyde for his instrumental role in 
negotiating language that addresses these concerns and enables the 
Government of Lebanon to engage and work closely with the international 
community so as to prevent another crisis in the region.
  This resolution recognizes the courageous efforts made by many 
Lebanese in their independent uprising on March 14, 2005 and commends 
the democratically elected Government of Lebanon for their ongoing 
efforts to restore

[[Page E1896]]

sovereignty and security throughout all its territory.

  Despite the remarkable achievements of the so-called Cedar 
Revolution, the Government of Lebanon continues to experience 
challenges to its rule. Targeted killings of public figures and the 
recent conflict between Hezbollah and Israel illustrate the dangers to 
Lebanon's stability. Furthermore, the increasing polarization and 
divide of the country's confessional communities demonstrates the need 
for a serious national dialogue that will deal with Lebanon's domestic 
struggles.
  The provocative unilateral actions implemented by Hezbollah this past 
summer is evidence of the destructive influences Syria and Iran 
continue to play in Lebanon. The people of Lebanon and their government 
did not have any say in the destruction and heartbreak that was imposed 
upon their nation, yet they must be the ones to pay the price. In a 
clear indication that Hezbollah is willing to use its weapons 
internally, unless the current form of government is changed, Hezbollah 
leader Hassan Nasrallah said he would only consider giving up its 
weapons when a strong, capable and just state was in place. This would 
strongly undermine Lebanon's democratic structures and could 
potentially lead to civil war and instability in the whole region.
  Lebanon seeks to build itself up once again from beneath the ashes of 
war and destruction. In the absence of a regional peace, this may very 
well be the last opportunity to save Lebanon from a failed state 
scenario.
  The United States has a vital interest in ensuring the security of a 
liberal democratic regime. It is important that United States 
assistance to Lebanon play a strategic role in strengthening Lebanon's 
central governing institutions that will ultimately lead to an 
empowered government that is able to meet the demands of all its 
citizens and comply with its international commitments and the major 
themes in this resolution.
  In addition, to security assistance that enables the Lebanese Armed 
Forces to secure its borders, assistance needs to be targeted toward 
the passage of a new electoral law and increasing reforms in the 
Ministry of Justice. The electoral commission has submitted their 
review and now the Lebanese parliament needs to respond. A more 
representative electoral law will defy the modes of traditional 
sectarian leadership in Lebanon that have lead to deadlock and 
stalemate.
  These steps are vital to restoring and maintaining Lebanon's 
sovereignty and security by reducing the influence of Iran and Syria 
over Hezbollah and contributing to a broader representation of all 
Lebanese.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time and look forward to the 
passage of this resolution.

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