[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CALLING FOR RELEASE OF ISRAELI SOLDIERS HELD CAPTIVE BY HAMAS AND 
                               HEZBOLLAH

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                               speech of

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 13, 2007

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 107, a 
resolution calling for the immediate release of Israeli soldier Gilad 
Shalut by Hamas, as well as urging Hezbollah to accept the mandate of 
the U.N. Security Council Resolution by immediately releasing Israeli 
soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev.
  Israel has taken dramatic steps in recent years to bring about peace 
in the Middle East, including removing all forces from Lebanon and in 
2005 unilaterally withdrawing from Gaza. In return, Israel continues to 
be threatened by Hezbollah, which is backed and encouraged by Iran and 
Syria, and Hamas, which controls the Palestinian Authority. Neither 
group recognizes Israel's right to exist and refuses to seek democracy 
and peace.
  Mr. Speaker, by passing H. Res. 107, we have made a clear statement 
that these soldiers should be released, and that the United States will 
stand with Israel while continuing to work with the international 
community to bring peace to the region. I urge my colleagues to support 
H. Res. 107.

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