[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 18752-18753]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 TIME FOR THE OLIVE BRANCH TO TAKE ROOT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JESSE L. JACKSON, JR.

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 18, 2003

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a passionate 
proponent of achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the 
Middle East.
  For too long, the Holy Land has been soaked in blood and scorched by 
hate. In the last 31 months alone, the devastating conflict between the 
Israelis and the Palestinians has claimed more than 2,700 lives and has 
shattered countless others.
  With so much lost life, it is time to find peace. It is time to turn 
from old ways and to ``beat their swords into ploughshares.'' It is 
time for the olive branch to take root.
  Thus, I strongly support the so-called ``road map,'' the Mideast 
peace plan carefully devised by the United States, European Union, 
United Nations and Russia and firmly backed by President Bush. 
Representing precious hope for an end to the violence and a final 
settlement, the road map envisions two states--one for the Israelis and 
the other for the Palestinians--living side-by-side, both sovereign, 
secure, free and democratic.
  Under the terms and conditions of the road map, the United States 
rightly assumes its central role of helping to lead the parties along 
the path to peace. As an honest and balanced broker and mediator 
between the two sides, the United States must help both to reconcile 
differences, to accept obligations, and to take the simultaneous steps 
for progress and peace.
  Undoubtedly, the success of the performance-based road map will 
require the active leadership and involvement of the United States. It 
will demand the commitment and courage of the Israelis and the 
Palestinians. It finally will come when each side gives to the other 
what it wants for itself.
  But, since the publication and formal delivery of the road map, the 
enemies of peace

[[Page 18753]]

have attempted to derail it. By launching brutal terrorist attacks 
against Israelis, they attempt to kill not only innocent civilians but 
also a diplomatic settlement. These saboteurs intend to undermine the 
Palestinian Authority, to terrorize the Israeli population, and to 
perpetuate violence and hate. We must not allow them to succeed in 
putting roadblocks in the road map.
  To remove the obstacles and promote the peace, Congress should give 
its unqualified and unambiguous approval of the road map. Time is too 
short and the stakes too high for us not to. Failing now to explicitly 
endorse the international peace plan risks compromising our interests, 
rallying the recalcitrant and forestalling a new future in the Middle 
East.
  Hence, the resolution before us rightly commends the President for 
his vision and commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-
Palestinian dispute. However, it should be even more specific. The 
resolution ought to expressly support the road map itself and the 
ongoing efforts within the international community to implement it.
  House Resolution 294 correctly insists that the Palestinians must 
fulfill their primary obligation to crack down on terrorism and 
violence against the Israelis. Yet, the resolution should be more 
comprehensive and balanced. It also ought to call on the Israelis to 
meet their responsibilities under the road map to dismantle illegal 
outposts and freeze settlements.
  The measure properly recognizes and respects Israel's right to defend 
and protect its citizens against terror. But, H. Res. 294 should be 
even more insightful. It ought to acknowledge that the security for 
which Israel longs and surely deserves will be achieved, not by 
military reprisals alone, but rather with the active and full 
cooperation of the Palestinians. As stated in a recent New York Times 
editorial, ``Nobody expects Israel to tolerate terror against its 
people. But terror can be more effectively rooted out if responsible 
Palestinian leaders like Mr. Abbas are strengthened, not undermined.''
  Hence, although not perfect, this resolution is an improvement from 
others on the Middle East. Unlike previous measures, it does not 
interfere, impede nor conflict with the ongoing peace effort. In fact, 
it is, for the most part, consistent with it. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I 
support this resolution as a means of endorsing the road map and 
promoting the peace.

                          ____________________