[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9451]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



         COMMENDING ISRAEL'S REDEPLOYMENT FROM SOUTHERN LEBANON

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2000

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for Israel's 
redeployment from Southern Lebanon.
  Prime Minister Ehud Barak ensured Israel's compliance with the 1978 
United Nations Security Council Resolution 425, which calls on Israel 
to withdraw its forces from all Lebanese territories. His commitment to 
redeploy Israeli forces by June 7, 2000 must also be commended.
  Prime Minister Barak has shown remarkable leadership in Israel and in 
his commitment to advance peaceful negotiations with all of her 
neighbors; I am confident these steps will bring genuine peace to the 
Middle East. Prime Minister Barak's appeal to the Lebanese President, 
Emile Lahoud, to use the Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon as a 
springboard for peace is a step in the right direction. As these 
countries move forward in their efforts, it is also extremely important 
that the American government work to encourage peace in the entire 
region.
  For many years, I have been committed to moving forward to resolve 
the Arab-Israeli conflict in the spirit of peace. I have stood with 
great conviction, alongside my constituents, many of whom have close 
ties, to urge a peaceful resolution to conflicts in the Middle East.
  Prime Minister Selim al-Hoss has assured the safety of residents in 
Southern Lebanon. Lebanon has been a victim of far too much blood shed 
in recent decades. It now stands in the midst of a crucial transition. 
Therefore, the physical security guaranteed by all parties must also 
ensure protection for religious freedom, political independence and 
liberty. Only under these conditions, will Southern Lebanon be able to 
fully redevelop its communities and provide its people with the ability 
to lead fruitful lives.
  Again, I offer my support and encourage Prime Minister Barak and 
President Lahoud to continue on the path of peace and progress.

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