[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 25, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E925]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   URGING ESTABLISHMENT OF U.S. CONSULATE IN KURDISTAN REGION OF IRAQ

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                               speech of

                           HON. BILL DELAHUNT

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 2010

  Mr. DELAHUNT Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this amended 
resolution calling for the establishment of a United States Consulate 
in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as well as in other regions of Iraq.
  For years, I have been closely following issues related to United 
States policy towards Iraq, as well as that nation's own internal 
politics as its people develop their democracy. During the previous 
American Administration, I chaired a series of hearings in the House 
Foreign Affairs Oversight Subcommittee that examined the bilateral 
accord--the so-called ``status of forces agreement'' (SOFA)--between 
the United States and Iraq, which provides for the withdrawal of our 
military forces by December 31, 2011. I also closely followed the 
concurrent negotiation of the civilian-focused Strategic Framework 
Agreement (SFA), in which the U.S. and Iraq committed to a number of 
mutually supporting efforts in the areas of economy, culture, science, 
technology, health and trade.
  While I had reservations about the so-called SOFA, I strongly support 
the SFA, because I believe that America has a moral obligation to the 
Iraqi people to help their country get back on its feet. Yes, we 
liberated them from Saddam Hussein, but in doing so we unleashed a wave 
of horrific violence upon that nation. We now have a duty to alleviate 
some of the damage, and the SFA will enable that to happen.
  Some of those efforts at implementation of the SFA will require 
Americans to work in Iraq. Currently, most American citizens in that 
country must receive consular services in Baghdad. Given Iraq's size 
and challenges to travel, this can be very difficult. Establishing U.S. 
Consulates in several regions in Iraq would make it easier for 
Americans to work throughout Iraq and thus fulfill our obligations 
under the SFA. Therefore I believe that such efforts should get 
underway immediately.
  As a follower of Iraq politics, particularly the controversies 
regarding the latest parliamentary elections, I am well aware of the 
sensitivities regarding the establishment of a U.S. Consulate in the 
Kurdistan Region of Iraq. That is why I am pleased that this resolution 
has been amended to reflect the need for U.S. Consulates elsewhere in 
Iraq. Yes, at the moment, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has been 
identified by the State Department as one of the more stable and secure 
regions of Iraq, which is why the resolution mentions that specific 
region as a site for a U.S. Consulate. But such a designation also 
comes with responsibility--specifically, the Kurds must demonstrate 
their commitment to ensuring the stability and security of all of Iraq, 
not just their region. They can do so by encouraging the creation of an 
inclusive government that represents all four major coalition in the 
parliament, including their own.
  As peace and security spreads throughout Iraq as a result, America 
should establish U.S. Consulates in other areas as well. That way, the 
American and Iraqi people can literally work together in creating a 
better future for Iraq.

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