[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 83 (Friday, May 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1015-E1016]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONGRATULATING ISRAEL ON OECD MEMBERSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 26, 2010

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1391, a 
resolution congratulating Israel on its accession to membership in the 
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). 
Membership in the OECD, which includes the United States and most of 
the nations in the European Union, will yield greater stability and 
security for Israel. However, like many Israelis, I believe that true 
long-term stability and security for Israel depends upon a peaceful 
relationship with its Palestinian neighbors.
  The OECD stated values include ``a commitment to pluralist democracy 
based on the rule of law and the respect of human rights.'' As such, 
the body has a responsibility to ensure its members uphold and comply 
with those values. Absent from the debate on this resolution was the 
revelation that the economic data submitted to the OECD for membership 
included Israeli citizens living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, 
in violation of OECD's own values and international law.
  The submission of this data did not thwart Israel's acceptance into 
the OECD; however, continued illegal settlement building in the 
Occupied Territories and the debilitating blockade of Gaza does thwart 
Israel's long-term security. The acceptance into the OECD despite this 
data sends a signal to members of the

[[Page E1016]]

international community that they can violate international law and be 
rewarded for it. Furthermore, it threatens to undermine the fragile 
proximity talks facilitated by U.S. Special Envoy George Mitchell, as 
settlement building continues to be a main obstacle to progress.
  Stability is not secured solely through economic growth. Anyone truly 
supportive of Israel must work with the Israeli government to bring it 
closer to a just and peaceful resolution with its Palestinian 
neighbors. I support a strong Israel. I believe that Israel's position 
in the international community can be strengthened by a demonstrated 
commitment to human rights and international law.