[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 172 (Tuesday, December 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2234-E2235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING ACHIEVEMENTS OF AMBASSADOR RICHARD HOLBROOKE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. RUSS CARNAHAN-

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 17, 2010

  Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, this week, the world lost a legendary 
diplomatic figure and master peace negotiator. Ambassador Richard 
Holbrooke may no longer be with us, but his presence is timeless, as he 
leaves behind the invaluable lessons of his life's work.
  Among his many accomplishments as statesman and steadfast advocate 
for greater stability throughout the world, Ambassador Holbrooke's most 
famous contribution to the mission of global peace was his role as 
chief architect of the Dayton Peace Accords, ending more than three 
years of bloody war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Up against deep-seated 
multi ethnic and religious divisions, a war-torn economy, and lacking 
government infrastructure, his unwavering commitment to establishing a 
peace worthy of America's name was fundamental to leading the accords 
to successful resolution.
  As the United States considers a new way forward to reinvigorate 
Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, Ambassador Holbrooke's memory 
serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with persistent 
engagement, pragmatic diplomacy, and impassioned belief--not only in 
the necessity for resolution, but also in the ability for differing 
peoples to come together in the name of a common humanity.
  The United States remains unwaveringly committed to ensuring Israeli 
security and its future as a Jewish democratic state, both as a moral 
imperative and as a crucial strategic relationship. While we have 
worked to maximize Israel's security, through military partnership and 
sanctions aimed to prevent Iranian nuclear capabilities, the fact 
remains, however, that Arab-Israeli tensions pose very real threats to 
Israeli and regional stability. Now is the time to ever more fervently 
pursue resolution to the issues that stand in the way of peace: 
borders, security, settlements, refugees, and Jerusalem.
  As Founder and Co-Chair of the American Engagement Caucus, I firmly 
believe that U.S. leadership is paramount to the success of peace 
negotiations, and we must make a

[[Page E2235]]

strong push for a negotiated two-state solution that allows for 
substantial buy-in from Israelis, Palestinians, and the international 
community--unilateral actions will only serve to deteriorate progress 
and deter future collaboration. Let us call on the lessons of 
Ambassador Holbrooke's work and the strength and resilience of all 
those affected by conflict in Bosnia to pursue a lasting peace between 
Arabs and Israelis.

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