[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23324]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HELSINKI HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 3, 2007

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, today marks the 32nd 
anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, which ushered in civil and 
political liberties for millions of oppressed Europeans. Most 
importantly, the Helsinki Final Act created a strong international 
framework that continues to promote liberty and peace in a region that 
extends beyond the traditional boundaries of Europe. The Organization 
for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the U.S. Helsinki 
Commission, which I am privileged to chair, serve as invaluable 
institutions which ensure that countries honor their Helsinki Final Act 
commitments. The U.S. Helsinki Commission is proud of our role as the 
conduit between both Houses of the U.S. Congress, the Executive Branch, 
foreign governments and civil society.
  As President Gerald Ford said during the Helsinki Accords, ``History 
will judge this conference not by what we say here today, but by what 
we do tomorrow, not by the promises we make, but by the promises we 
keep.'' We continue to respect this profound statement and we 
anticipate the spirit of President Ford's sentiments will continue to 
endure long after the death of the late former President.
  Fortunately, the spirit of the Helsinki Final Act remains strong. 
Overarching concerns for European security and liberty during the Cold 
War have evolved into regional energy security dilemmas, kleptocracy, 
and continued human rights violations. Moreover, Europe once again 
faces serious security concerns as Russia has suspended its obligations 
under the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty.
  Madam Speaker, we must never forget how valuable the process of 
engagement has served the interests of Europe and the United States in 
the past. Working together in an integrated framework of cooperation 
and security is our best hope for peace and justice. While the world 
has been changing at an ever increasing pace since 1975, our ideals and 
values remain entrenched in the commitments made under the Helsinki 
Final Act.
  Today we recognize the significant impact the Helsinki Final Act made 
in fostering a world with increased peace and justice. Today, Helsinki 
Human Rights Day, we honor our commitments and pledge vigilance in the 
quest for human rights, governmental accountability and cooperation for 
security throughout Europe, North America, Central Asia, and elsewhere 
in the world.

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