[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 155 (Monday, October 15, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H11501-H11504]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
EXPRESSING SENSE OF THE HOUSE REGARDING SYRIA'S CONTINUED INTERFERENCE
IN THE AFFAIRS OF LEBANON
Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 738) expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives regarding the Government of Syria's continued
interference in the internal affairs of Lebanon.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 738
Whereas in 2004, Lebanon's current president had his term
extra-legally extended through the interference of Syria in
Lebanon's internal affairs;
Whereas former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, the
leading opponent of continued Syrian domination of Lebanon
and the extra-legal extension of the president's term, was
assassinated along with 22 people by a massive car bomb on
February 14, 2005;
Whereas investigators from the United Nations have
suggested that officials of Syria's government, at the
highest levels, appear to be culpable for the assassination
of Rafiq Hariri and the 22 other people;
Whereas the people of Lebanon, following the murder of
Rafiq Hariri, engaged in a massive popular revolt known as
the Cedar Revolution against Syrian interference in their
internal affairs and suppression of their national
sovereignty;
Whereas the Cedar Revolution, reinforced by international
pressure, culminated in the rapid withdrawal of Syrian
occupation forces and free elections;
Whereas the current Lebanese government has been under
steady attack by domestic and foreign forces that have been
engaged in instigating riots and insurrection, suspending the
operation of Lebanon's parliament, and perpetrating horrific
acts of terror against the Lebanese people;
Whereas Syria and Iran are seeking to dominate Lebanon
through their campaign of murder and intimidation aimed at
the Lebanese parliamentary majority and other anti-Syrian
public and political figures;
Whereas Syria and Iran, through their Lebanese proxies,
have demanded the selection of another Lebanese president
hand-picked by the Government of Syria;
Whereas Syria and Iran, in clear contravention of numerous
United Nations Security Council resolutions, notably 1559
(2004), 1655 (2006), 1664 (2006), 1680 (2006), 1701 (2006),
and 1757 (2007), have grossly violated Lebanon's sovereignty
by continuing to provide arms to illegitimate Lebanese
militias, Palestinian terrorist groups and other terrorist
organizations; meddling in Lebanon's internal political
affairs; and actively supporting efforts to prevent the
election of a new president in accordance with Lebanese law;
and
Whereas a sovereign and independent Lebanon is in the
national security interest of the United States: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) condemns the campaign of murder, terror, and
intimidation aimed at overthrowing the democratically-elected
government of Lebanon and establishing a new Lebanese
government subservient to the will and interests of Syria and
Iran;
(2) condemns Syria and Iran for their gross interference in
Lebanon's internal political affairs, and particularly, the
selection of a new president, and gross violations of United
Nations Security Council resolutions protective of Lebanon's
sovereignty and independence;
(3) condemns Lebanese political parties and actors who have
allied themselves with Syria and Iran to the detriment of
their own country and its national interests;
(4) condemns efforts by some Lebanese political figures to
obstruct, delay, and impede the legal and established
processes of their country for the selection of a new
president according to the rule of law;
(5) affirms its continued strong support for Lebanon's
democratically-elected government, people and national
sovereignty, and its readiness to provide material support;
(6) calls on all nations to recognize and support Lebanon's
sovereignty and independence; and
(7) urges the President to use all peaceful means at the
disposal of the United States to help safeguard Lebanon's
sovereignty and independence.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Ackerman) and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.
General Leave
Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this
resolution, and yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, when the House last discussed Lebanon on September 25,
I said that Lebanon was being bullied. That statement, though true, is
insufficient. Lebanon is not being harassed by invisible unworldly
forces. Lebanon is not a victim of fate or destiny or bad luck.
Lebanese politicians and public figures, beginning with Rafiq Hariri
and continuing to this day, are not being assassinated and blown away
by falling meteors or volcanic eruptions. Arms do not appear in Lebanon
by magic. Hezbollah's billions do not fall from the sky like rain.
Palestinian terrorist groups don't find rifles falling out of trees or
by the side of the road. The Fatah al-Islam and its war against the
Lebanese state were not the product of spontaneous auto-genesis. Like
maggots, their origin can escape the casual observer, but their birth
was no accident or mystery.
Madam Speaker, Syria and Iran are responsible for these crimes. Syria
and Iran are responsible for the chaos. Syria and Iran are to blame for
the shadow of civil war that hangs over Lebanon. Lebanese politics are
complex, and the interaction within and among confessions is daunting
for the outside observer to contemplate. Where interest and principle
merge and depart is hard to judge. But we know some things about
Lebanon for certain, and they are spelled out clearly in the resolution
at hand.
Despite Lebanon's Constitution, Syria demanded the extension of
President Emile Lahoud's term in 2004, and Damascus got its way. The
principal opponent of this grotesque intrusion into Lebanon's affairs
was Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. There is credible evidence uncovered
by U.N. investigators showing that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad
first threatened and then ordered the assassination of Rafiq Hariri for
his defiance of Syrian diktat.
Madam Speaker, in response to the murder of Hariri, and, let us
remember, 22 other civilians, the Lebanese rose up against their Syrian
overlords and demanded, with the full support of the international
community, the expulsion of Syria's occupational forces. A new
government was formed through a free and fair election led by Lebanese
not in the service of Syria and not in the debt of Iran.
This development, both surprising and hopeful, of a Lebanon free to
chart its own course, was one that Syria and Iran couldn't tolerate. In
their minds, Lebanon is a fiefdom, a toy. Lebanon is a playground for
their ambitions and a canvas on which to splash their rage and hatred
for the United States and Israel in the modern world.
Madam Speaker, Lebanon, in the minds of Syria's overlords and Iran's
ayatollahs, is not for the Lebanese. This intolerance, this greedy
self-interest, this bitter contempt for the rights of others is why we
are speaking of Lebanon in the U.S. House of Representatives again
today.
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Lebanon is in grave peril. Lebanon's independence and sovereignty are
under attack by Syria and Iran and their bootlicking Lebanese proxies,
Hezbollah, Amal and the Aounist bloc. Extralegally demanding control of
the presidency, and threatening civil war, this coalition of the wicked
and the selfish have again brought chaos, violence and terror to
Lebanon. It need not be so. It should not be so.
Syria and Lebanon are responsible for the crisis in Lebanon. Syria
and Iran are responsible for the crisis in Lebanon. They have trampled
on Lebanon's sovereignty and clearly violated U.N. Security Council
resolutions protective of Lebanon. They are the puppet masters pulling
on the strings of Hezbollah, Amal and Aoun. The assassinations of
Lebanese members of Parliament are their work. The bombings are their
work. The threats to establish an extra-legal second government are
their work.
Madam Speaker, there is no mystery here. There is evil, there is
greed, there is indecency, and, were I Lebanese, I might say treason as
well. But there is no mystery. Syria and Iran are attacking Lebanon's
sovereignty no less than if they sent a fleet of bombers, or a wave of
tanks, or a swarm of infantry. That this aggression, this naked
aggression is being done by proxies, and by terrorists, by car bombs,
by telephone threats does not make it any less aggression, or any less
a crime.
Many vital interests of the United States are at stake. If we want
every nation to be secure in its own borders, we cannot tolerate cross-
border aggression. If we want to see the Middle East at peace, we
cannot tolerate the resumption of Syrian and Iranian control of
Lebanon. If we want to encourage self-governance around the world, we
cannot tolerate Lebanon's democracy being subverted by thugs and
fanatics. If we want to see people rising up against tyranny, as they
are today in Burma, we cannot tolerate the reversal of Lebanon's
glorious Cedar Revolution. If we want to see the United Nations become
a true guardian of peace, we cannot tolerate the will of the
international community being scorned by rogue states.
Madam Speaker, America must lead. Even today, even with Iraq, there
is still no other state that can mobilize the international community
as can the United States, and the hour is desperate. Only if they are
convinced that the world will not tolerate their aggression against
Lebanon, will Syria and Iran back down. This outcome is not impossible.
The stakes are exceedingly high. It is my hope that the Lebanese
Government and the Bush administration will see this debate in the
House as proof that Congress is watching closely and that we stand
ready to help secure Lebanon's future as an independent and sovereign
state. If we want to end the bloodshed in Lebanon and foreclose the
prospect of still greater violence, we must act now and in concert with
the community of nations.
There is wide support for Lebanon both in Europe and the Arab and
Muslim world, just waiting for a catalyst to give it expression.
America must be that catalyst. We are here today to sound the wake-up
call. A brighter future for Lebanon, for the Middle East, and for
ourselves awaits our clarion call.
Madam Speaker, I urge our colleagues to support the resolution.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time
as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I support this resolution, which condemns both Syria
and Iran for their continuing campaign of murder and intimidation aimed
at anti-Syrian politicians and public figures of Lebanon. It warns them
against interfering either directly or through their many
representatives in the Lebanese presidential elections scheduled for
later this month.
Over 2 years after the Cedar Revolution, and despite the withdrawal
of Syrian troops, Lebanon's fragile government continues to be targeted
for destruction by internal and external threats. Hezbollah has
continued to carry out its strategy of assassinating anti-Syrian
Lebanese politicians. The aim is to gain a parliamentary majority that
would allow both Syria and Iran to impose their choice for a president
on the Lebanese people.
Furthermore, the inclusion of pro-Syrian, Iranian and terrorist
organizations such as Hezbollah in the Lebanese political process only
empowers the Syrian and Iranian regimes and holds Lebanon hostage to
their whims. Allowing a terrorist entity to use the political process
and legitimize itself without first demanding a renouncement of
violence has only served to perpetuate and enhance the threat.
We support the underlying intent of this resolution, which is to
advocate for the sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon. The
Lebanese people deserve the right to be free of interference and
intimidation by any outside country or terrorist group. However,
despite supporting the resolution, we are concerned about language in
this resolution referring to the entire Lebanese Parliament as
``democratically elected,'' because it sets a dangerous precedent by
both legitimizing and providing congressional approval for the role of
a foreign terrorist organization in the political process in Lebanon.
Sadly, it legitimizes current election law which was constructed by the
Syrians and imposed on the Lebanese people.
Finally, it undermines the very essence of United Nations Security
Council Resolution 1559, aimed at truly removing Syria from the
Lebanese political process. Elections conducted under a Syrian-
controlled electoral process where foreign terrorist organizations are
allowed to participate without first requiring them to lay down their
weapons should not be considered ``democratic'' by this Chamber.
Madam Speaker, the United States and other responsible nations must
encourage the Government of Lebanon and leading Lebanese policymakers
not to compromise on their commitment to reform the political process
by purging from it the influence of Syria, Iran and Hezbollah. Our
support for the Lebanese people and the pro-democracy forces in Lebanon
is vital to counterbalance the pressures surrounding Lebanon.
The brave people of Lebanon continue to stand against the tyrannical
regime in Damascus, and they deserve nothing less than our support. It
is for this reason that, despite reservations about the implications of
some of the clauses in this resolution, I will vote for this
resolution, and ask my colleagues to do the same.
I especially remember Congressman LaHood being prophetic. Last year I
attended a White House meeting with the President of members of both
parties giving reports on their recent trips to Iraq. Congressman
LaHood pointed out progress in Iraq, but he also stated the public
needed reassurance of the capture or killing of the al Qaeda leader in
Iraq, Zawahiri. Just as he concluded, National Security Advisor Stephen
Hadley, sitting next to me, received an important cell call which he
took and then several hours later could announce: the butchering
beheader Zawahiri had been killed by a successful American airstrike.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as
she may consume to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley).
Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this important
resolution, and I thank the gentleman from New York for his continued
leadership on this important issue. We often throw around compliments
on the floor of the House thanking each other, but in this case, it is
truly warranted. The gentleman from New York has been a giant on these
issues, and I thank him so much for that.
Lebanon is at a critical juncture in its history. On the cusp of
upcoming elections, it can go the way of democracy; or it can go the
way of violence, terrorism and dictatorship. We therefore must stand
side-by-side with the forces of democracy in that country and protect
it from those who seek to unfairly and violently influence the results
of their free election.
Two years ago at the United Nations, the world called on Syria to
remove its troops from Lebanon and recognize Lebanon's independence.
While perhaps most of Syria's troops are out of Lebanon, its continued
dangerous influence is undeniable.
Syria's proxies in Lebanon have waged a campaign of terror throughout
the country against those who oppose its interference. They have
bombed,
[[Page H11503]]
they have rioted, they have assassinated, and they have terrorized, and
it is undeniable Syria's hand is behind it all.
Iran too has involved itself in Lebanon with its support of
Hezbollah, a terrorist group whose military is stronger than the
Lebanese Army. Iran has threatened unspecified consequences if the
anti-Syrian majority has the gall to freely elect its own president. It
has launched attacks against Israel to destabilize the region and the
Lebanese Government. Hezbollah continues to bring arms shipments in
from Iran through Syria with impunity.
Lebanon's stability could be the key to the future of the Middle
East. If the Lebanese can establish a democracy in their country, then
it would spread to other countries in that region, Syria's influence
would be weakened and Iran's plans for regional supremacy and control
would suffer a serious setback. The supporters of terrorism know this,
Madam Speaker. That is why they have unleashed this campaign of terror
to stop Lebanon's development and influence its upcoming election.
We too must unleash our own campaign to support the forces of
democracy and freedom and stability. We must not let the forces of
democracy be defeated or intimidated in Lebanon. The Middle East hangs
in the balance, and we must not back away from a growing democracy that
needs our help.
Madam Speaker, I urge support for this resolution.
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he
may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood), an esteemed
member of the Committee on Appropriations and a distinguished American
of Lebanese heritage.
Madam Speaker, prior to yielding, I want to note that Mr. LaHood has
announced he will not be running for reelection next year. I want all
of us to acknowledge that he will truly be missed. When I was elected 6
years ago, one the first persons I found out who has the respect of the
Members here is indeed Ray LaHood. He has made such a great difference
for the people of the United States.
(Mr. LaHOOD asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
{time} 1445
Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman very much for his
kind remarks.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 738, a
resolution that strongly condemns the ongoing campaign of violence and
assassination directed towards the people of Lebanon and their
democratically elected government.
We have all seen the horrific news reports of the assassinations and
attempted assassinations of anti-Syrian lawmakers in Lebanon. The brave
men and women who are struggling to move Lebanon forward have become
targets in their own country. Hezbollah and the pro-Syrian factions in
Lebanon know they are in the minority, and have begun a desperation
campaign to kill as many of their opponents as possible. Members of the
parliament have had to go into hiding outside of Lebanon, and lay their
lives on the line when they return to conduct government business.
Others in Lebanon have embarked on a campaign to delay and obstruct
the presidential election process, now delayed since September, late
September into October. Rather than face the fact that those who wish
for Lebanon to be independent and free will be successful, they choose
instead to upend the entire political process rather than see democracy
succeed. This was clearly evident in 2004 when the current president of
Lebanon had his term extended with the help of Syria and other outside
forces, an act that was quickly condemned by the United States and the
United Nations. Unfortunately, these forces continue to try to impose
their will on Lebanon today.
The Cedar Revolution in 2005 led to the withdrawal of Syrian forces
that had occupied Lebanon for more than three decades. After the
withdrawal, the government of Prime Minister Siniora committed to
creating a strong, democratic Lebanon, free of occupation or outside
influence. Lebanon is fighting many enemies of freedom, both within and
outside the country.
As Lebanon prepares for presidential elections, hopefully in a few
weeks, I believe it is vital that we reiterate our support for Lebanon
and the people of Lebanon. This resolution reaffirms our support of the
many United Nations resolutions that condemn Syria and Iran for their
continued roles in arming the enemies of a free Lebanon, and expresses
our appreciation to the many countries who have contributed funding and
personnel to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
Our Lebanese friends must know that we stand beside them as they
continue to strengthen their government. I want to particularly
compliment President Bush, Secretary Rice, and the whole Bush team for
the interest they have expressed in Lebanon, for the interest they have
shown in this country and their ability to have a democracy and to hold
elections.
Last week, the son of Rafiq Hariri was in Washington and had an
opportunity to meet with many officials of the Congress and of the Bush
administration. I know he was gratified by the support he has received
from Congress and from the Bush administration. As he returned to
Lebanon, I know he went reassured that our country is with Lebanon,
that our country is for free elections as soon as possible.
I also want to compliment Speaker Pelosi who has personally discussed
this issue with me and has a great deal of interest in Lebanon, and
recently took the time to travel to Lebanon on a recent trip to the
Middle East. Her interest in this country is something that we should
all commend. And so I urge the adoption of this resolution.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I just want to add to the comments by
our good friend Mr. LaHood. He will surely be missed in this great
Chamber. He has added much to the dignity, fairness, objectiveness and
to the thoughtfulness of this body. And I hope when decency, security
and peace does return to Lebanon, he will be in this Chamber with us to
share in that moment.
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I have no more speakers,
I urge support for the resolution promoting the Cedar Revolution, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I too want to thank Speaker Pelosi for
her leadership, for taking her time during her trip to the Middle East
to visit Lebanon, and also to try to talk sense to the people in Syria
as well.
Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, the United States has a long and deep
history of supporting the sovereignty and independence of the Lebanese
people. That is why we must condemn in the strongest terms possible
continued Syrian and Iranian interference in Lebanese affairs.
The Lebanese parliament is currently engaged in the process of
selecting a new president, a task unfortunately complicated by the
meddling of outsiders, most notably Syria and Iran, and their terrorist
proxy in Lebanon, Hezbollah. Syrian and Iranian interference in Lebanon
must be condemned by the international community in the strongest
possible terms and it must immediately end.
The resolution before the House chronicles the tragic toll exacted on
Lebanon and its people by its neighbors. It is a tale of a peaceful
people seeking a better future who again and again have seen their
hopes dashed due to the cruel and opportunistic machinations of Iran
and Syria.
I recently met for the second time this year with Sheikh Saad Hariri,
the leader of the majority in the Lebanese parliament, whose family has
given so much for the freedom of the Lebanese people. Mr. Hariri made
an eloquent appeal for help from the Congress of the United States and
other parliamentary bodies to expose the interference of non-Lebanese
groups in the selection of Lebanon's next president. I commend the
bipartisan leadership of the House Foreign Affairs Committee for acting
quickly so the House could go on record against these tactics before
the next meeting of the Lebanese parliament later this month.
The politically-motivated violence that has been so much a part of
Lebanon's recent history has not dampened the desire of the Lebanese
people for self-determination.
The Cedar Revolution was an eloquent and powerful testament to that
fact; a fact which deserves the respect of all nations. Passage of this
resolution puts the House squarely on the side of the freedom-loving
people of Lebanon and I urge its adoption.
Mr. ACKERMAN. I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Capps). The question is on the motion
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offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Ackerman) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 738.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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