[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 10246]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     ISRAELI AND PALESTINIAN PEACE

  (Mr. INSLEE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to note an encouraging sign that 
yesterday, the President of the United States evinced a willingness to 
become an active player in seeking a peaceful resolution of the 
Israeli/Palestinian conflict. And I do so because it is clear that the 
United States of America is the only world force that has the ability 
to offer both peoples meaningful hope in this region. And as such, it 
is very important that our President of whatever party be engaged in 
that process. This President evinced some reluctance to do so early in 
his term. But I believe now has, by issuing this road map, stated an 
interest to become personally involved in trying to find a resolution 
of this dispute.
  Both Democrats and Republicans have to note that is a positive step 
at a very difficult time. Ending the violence by the Palestinians is 
paramount. And there is going to be daunting challenges working with 
our Israeli allies involving settlement issues; but the American 
President has to stay engaged. This is a first step. We welcome it. We 
look forward to its successes.

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