[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16736]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 DEPLORING MISUSE OF INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE BY UNITED NATIONS 
                 GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR POLITICAL PURPOSE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 14, 2004

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I voted against H. Res. 713 because I 
believe the intent of this resolution had nothing to do with Israel's 
best interests, nor with promoting peace in the Middle East. The text 
was written by the Republican majority with the explicit intent of 
trying to be as politically divisive as possible.
  I strongly believe that Israel has the right to defend itself against 
terrorism. However, while the resolution expresses support for Israel's 
right to construct a security barrier, it is clear to me that this 
measure was a cynical attempt to divide people for political gain here 
in the United States.
  There are legitimate questions as to the propriety and wisdom of the 
action taken by the International Court of Justice, ICJ, in this 
matter, and in fact I personally disagree with their decision. However, 
this resolution goes too far and condemns the ICJ for politicizing an 
issue, when the very reason the Republican majority brought this issue 
to the floor is for political purposes.
  Over the past four years, the House of Representatives has passed, 
with my support, at least nine non-binding Resolutions in regards to 
Israel. I entreat the leadership to now expend the same effort and 
energy to craft meaningful legislation that actually takes substantive 
action to further the Middle East peace process rather than paying so 
much lip service, as we too often do on issues of importance.
  Over the years, the United States has been a vital player in 
facilitating peace negotiations in the Middle East. I have long said 
that the U.S. should be the first to support Israel's right to protect 
its citizens. I have also taken the position that Congress should not 
formally endorse the security fence, nor should we oppose it. To do so, 
I believe, meddles in internal Israeli affairs and compromises the 
U.S.'s ability to be a player in future peace negotiations.
  The future security of the Middle East depends on negotiating a just, 
permanent, and peaceful settlement between Israelis and Palestinians 
that both guarantees Israel's security and establishes a Palestinian 
state. I cannot support resolutions, such as H. Res. 713, that are 
detrimental to this process.
  I believe that it is the responsibility of those who are pro-Israel, 
like myself, to support measures that advance the security of Israel. 
This legislation does not do that. My efforts and advocacy over the 
years on behalf of Israel speaks for itself, and my support for Israel 
will continue throughout my tenure as a Member. I urge the Republican 
majority to get serious about promoting peace in the Middle East and 
the security of Israel rather than wasting Congress' time with non-
binding resolutions intended to make political points in an election 
year.

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