[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 20 (Thursday, February 7, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E131-E132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CALLING FOR A PEACEFUL RESOLUTION TO THE CURRENT ELECTORAL CRISIS IN 
                                 KENYA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 6, 2008

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my full support for 
H. Con. Res. 283, the calling for a peaceful resolution to the current 
electoral crisis in Kenya.
   I applaud the people of Kenya for pursuing their right to democracy. 
Democracy is a fundamental right to be shared by all. Voting is at the 
core of a democratic society and conveys the will of the people. I 
encourage the Kenyan government to work diligently and quickly to 
restore order to their nation. Violence should not be used as a means 
by which to achieve political objectives.
   After the devastating bombing of the U.S. embassies in 1998, Kenya 
became a crucial ally in the global war against terrorism. Thus, the 
welfare and stability of the Kenyan people is of concern to the United 
States. I am hopeful the leadership and strength that prevailed during 
that crisis will rise and put an end to the current devastating 
violence.
  I encourage the Kenyan leaders on all sides to welcome the U.N. human 
rights teams to investigate the violent acts that have destroyed

[[Page E132]]

the confidence of the citizens of Kenya. In doing so, the government 
can slowly start to rebuild the trust of its citizens.
   Therefore, I urge Kenyan officials to do everything humanly possible 
to end the unprecedented bloodshed and violence. It is unsettling to 
hear that over 1,000 people have lost their lives and more than 300,000 
have been displaced.
   Kenya was hailed as a great example of democracy for other African 
nations to emulate. I look forward to the day when Kenya returns to its 
pursuit of democracy.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I applaud the Kenyan 
people for standing up for democracy and their right to a democratic 
government.

                          ____________________