[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE MODERN STATE OF 
                                 ISRAEL

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                               speech of

                          HON. THOMAS H. ALLEN

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 22, 2008

  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, on this occasion, I would like to speak in 
celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the modern State 
of Israel. Israel is our most important and strongest ally in the 
Middle East, and all Americans should congratulate the Israeli people 
on this important milestone.
  From technological advances in the fields of agriculture and medicine 
to the acceptance of women as equals, Israel has managed to establish a 
modern democracy full of innovation. This achievement is only magnified 
by the fact that at 60, Israel is still a relatively young nation.
  I support a two-state solution that provides for the existence of a 
self-governing Palestinian state with a separate national identity. 
However, Israel has the right to defend itself against attacks, and we 
must insist that the Palestinian Government recognize the State of 
Israel and act and speak out against suicide bombings and other acts of 
terror.
  I believe that the United States should devote significant resources 
to promoting peace in the Middle East. History has shown that active 
and consistent U.S. diplomatic engagement can promote progress, while a 
passive U.S. role can lead to the opposite.
  The pursuit of diplomacy with leaders in Israel, the Palestinian 
territories, and regional partner countries who recognize the 
inevitability and importance of coexistence and economic integration 
must continue to be a top U.S. foreign policy goal.
  The active engagement of Congress in diplomacy with Israel and other 
countries in the Middle East is a welcome development. The 
international community must focus its energy on advancing prospects 
for a lasting, secure peace in the Middle East.
  I congratulate the Israeli people on this important achievement. I am 
pleased to support this resolution and urge my colleagues to do so as 
well.

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