[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24707]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                   CONCERNING VIOLENCE IN MIDDLE EAST

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 24, 2000

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, today the House of Representatives is 
voting on House Concurrent Resolution 426 regarding the current 
violence in the Middle East. I believe it is appropriate for the United 
States to express solidarity with Israel, but it is with reluctance 
that I am voting in favor of this resolution.
  I am concerned about the timing and perception of this resolution. 
The United States has an essential role to play as facilitator of 
peace. The United States must be careful to encourage the peace 
process, and not detract from it. I am concerned this resolution may be 
perceived as placing entire blame for the violence on the Palestinian 
leadership. That is not the case, and I hope it will not be perceived 
in that way. In fact, in order to reach a long-lasting peace, both 
sides will eventually have to accept some responsibility for the 
current situation.
  I remain a strong supporter of Israel and the U.S.-Israel 
relationship. But it is clear the demonstration by Ariel Sharon in 
Jerusalem's Old City was an ill-advised provocation. And there probably 
couldn't have been a worse time for a provocation. Mr. Sharon must have 
understood how his actions would be perceived. In fact, the Israeli 
government understood this danger, which is why they provided Mr. 
Sharon with a security force.
  At the same time, Chairman Arafat has clearly used Mr. Sharon's visit 
as an opportunity to drastically change the dynamics of the peace 
process. With the recent violence, including the desecration of the 
West Bank holy site of Joseph's Tomb, Mr. Arafat's ability and 
willingness to prevent violence and maintain peace throughout 
Palestinian controlled areas have come into serious question.
  On two occasions imprisoned Palestinian militants were released from 
jail. Although there have been some assurances made that these 
individuals are being rearrested, militant Palestinian organizations 
have disputed that, declaring most remain free. In addition, incitement 
to violence continues to be broadcast from Palestinian Authority radio 
and televisions stations. I am hopeful Mr. Arafat will have the ability 
and willingness to address these issues and restore calm and stability 
to the areas he is responsible for controlling.
  Now is the time for responsible leaders to call on their people to 
abandon violence as a


means of achieving their goals. I am hopeful both leaders will work to 
restore stability to the region, condemn the use of violence and 
reiterate their commitment to the peace process. The violence must stop 
in order for the parties to re-engage in that process.

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