[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 173 (Thursday, November 8, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2364]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING CONCERN RELATING TO IRANIAN REGIME AND MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD

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                               speech of

                             HON. RON KLEIN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 5, 2007

  Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 435, 
a resolution that I authored with my friend, Mr. Mack.
  This resolution expresses the concern of the House of Representatives 
about the growing national security implications of Iran's 
relationships with countries in the Western Hemisphere.
  Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has visited Latin America three 
times in the past year, and has signed agreements with several 
countries in the region worth billions of dollars. This is a strategic 
move on his part to build capabilities in our neighborhood.
  On one side of the word, Iran continues to make progress on its 
nuclear program. And, on this side of the world, Iran has tried to sway 
leaders into supporting this dangerous agenda. And so far, his strategy 
is gaining momentum, which is extremely alarming.
  Iranian involvement in Latin America is particularly concerning, 
especially considering Iran's history in places like Argentina. This 
week, Interpol, the world's law enforcement agency, will consider 
whether to uphold the arrest warrants for five Iranians and one 
Lebanese who planned and executed the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish 
community center. Argentines are still waiting for justice to be served 
against those responsible, and Hizbollah and Iran are the lead 
suspects.
  I also remain concerned about Hizbollah in our hemisphere as it 
relates to fundraising in the tri-border area, and other places. In 
fact, just last month, Admiral Jim Stavreedees, head of the U.S. 
Southern Command wrote, ``We consider Latin America and the Caribbean 
as being highly likely bases for future terrorist threats to the U.S. 
and others.''
  The region has seen some progress, with new anti-terrorism 
legislation and increased counter-terrorism efforts. But, we all have a 
long way to go. Eliminating the threat of terrorism and its state 
sponsors is not just in the best interest of the United States. The 
countries in our hemisphere will be safer. The United States and 
Central and Latin America have an aligned interest.
  I hope that this resolution is seen as a signal that the United 
States is willing to help our friends in Central and Latin America make 
their countries safer and free from terrorism.

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