[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12400]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCING A RESOLUTION TO CONDEMN THE TERRORIST ATTACKS IN NORWAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2011

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a 
resolution condemning in the strongest possible terms the cold-blooded 
terror attacks that wounded as many as 96 people and took 76 lives in 
Norway on July 22, 2011. The attacks commenced with the brutal bombing 
of government buildings in Oslo, and the violence then reached its peak 
with a twin attack at a youth camp on Utoya Island, where the majority 
of casualties were children.
  Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg condemned the attacks as 
``peacetime Norway's deadliest day'', and I urge my colleagues to stand 
by Norway, a great friend and ally, in its darkest hour by supporting 
this resolution.
  For the Norwegian government and people, these attacks are an 
atrocity, a nightmare, and a national tragedy.
  For the world, this is a stark reminder that, as long as hatred and 
intolerance are allowed to persist, even the most peaceful of nations 
are not immune to its devastating effects.
  A founding member of the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty 
Organization, Norway is the home of the Nobel Peace Prize and offers a 
safe haven to refugees and the politically persecuted. Many of its 
police officers don't carry arms.
  To think that even this peaceful society can be the target of brutal, 
relentless hatred and violence is utterly shocking, and a call for 
action is necessary. The international community must not stand for 
this type of ideological violence, and this resolution reaffirms the 
resolve of Congress to combat all forms of terrorism, both domestically 
and abroad. It also expresses deep sympathy, solidarity, and 
condolences for Norway and reaffirms our joint commitment to peace and 
the elimination of actions motivated by hatred and religious or 
cultural intolerance worldwide.
  Despite the terrible violence committed against unarmed and innocent 
civilians, the country has courageously demonstrated that their 
commitment to peace, freedom, and tolerance remains unwavering. Morten 
Helleso Johansen, an 18-year-old survivor of the attack, expresses this 
sentiment in no uncertain terms. ``I want to return to that Island next 
year,'' he says. ``It is the best way to honor the memory of those who 
died by showing that I'm not afraid, and that I'm not silenced!''
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to personify Morten's courageous 
spirit by supporting this resolution and honoring the victims and 
survivors of this tragedy. To those who perpetuate fear, hatred, and 
intolerance throughout the world, we say: ``We are not afraid, and we 
will not be silenced!''