[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 18]
[House]
[Page 24242]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    NO PLACE IN THE CIVILIZED WORLD

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Aderholt). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, the new President of Iran made 
comments that chillingly confirm the hate, intolerance and militant 
intent to destroy Israel and her people that is shared by too many in 
the Arab world.
  Speaking to 4,000 students at a conference called ``The World Without 
Zionism,'' the Iranian leader declared, ``Israel must be wiped off the 
map.''
  He went on to say, ``Anybody who recognizes Israel will burn in the 
fire of the Islamic Nations' fury.''
  This Congress and the American people and all civilized, freedom-
loving people around the world must emphatically and unequivocally 
denounce these poisonous comments as outrageous incitement to 
international criminal acts.
  Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues know, we just passed a resolution a 
little over an hour ago unanimously expressing that sentiment. All who 
seek international security, stability and respect for the rule of law 
must collectively and publicly reject these comments of the President 
of Iran, and not only reject them, but condemn them as well.
  The silence in too many of the Arab capitals loudly testifies to the 
sympathy with which such despicable remarks were received. I am 
pleased, however, very pleased, that the prominent Palestinian 
negotiator Mr. Erekat reportedly told the media, ``We have recognized 
the State of Israel. We do not accept the statements of the President 
of Iran. This is unacceptable.'' That was said by one of the major 
Palestinian leaders. I congratulate him for those comments.
  It is that spirit that will allow us to pursue peace on the roadmap 
set forth by President Bush. However, I am compelled to ask, where is 
the public outrage among other responsible respected leaders in the 
Arab world?
  Mr. Speaker, I have been to Israel 8 times, 3 times in the last 2 
years, and on each of those most recent visits, our Israeli allies have 
expressed increasing concern about Iran's support for terrorism and its 
continuing effort to develop and acquire nuclear weapons.
  The President of Iran's dangerous comments only confirm our worst 
suspicions and fears about the Iranian government's intentions and 
malevolence. These remarks must inspire a renewed commitment by the 
United States and by our allies to do everything within our power to 
prevent Iran from acquiring weapons of mass destruction.
  Those who rationalize acts of terrorism against Israel should 
reassess their opinion as to why Israel must be ever vigilant and must 
take all measures necessary to respond to terrorism and ensure the 
safety, security and sovereignty of its people and its land.
  Mr. Speaker, we were right today to overwhelmingly and unanimously 
express our outrage at the President of Iran's suggestion that Israel 
would be wiped off the map. Peace will be possible in the international 
community only if the international community overwhelmingly, 
emphatically and without any tempering rejects and severely criticizes 
such comments when they are made.

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