HONORABLE ALCEE L. HASTINGS U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES H.RES. 374 "THE ONGOING VIOLENCE IN ALGERIA" THANK YOU MR. CHAIRMAN FOR BRINGING THIS TIMELY LEGISLATION BEFORE THE COMMITTEE. AS I CONTINUE TO REGISTER MY STRONG SUPPORT FOR H.RES. 374, I WANT TO THANK CONGRESSMAN CHABOT FOR ALLOWING ME TO JOIN HIM IN INTRODUCING THIS RESOLUTION. MR. CHAIRMAN, THIS ACT STRONGLY CONDEMNS THE ATROCITIES BEING CARRIED OUT IN ALGERIA; CONDEMNS THE PERPETRATORS OF VIOLENCE AND THOSE WHO INCITE VILENCE; URGES THE GOVERNMENT IN ALGERIA TO TAKE ALL LAWFUL STEPS TO STOP THE VIOLENCE; URGES THE GOVERNMENT IN ALGERIA TO COOPERATE WITH INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL INQUIRIES; AND ENCOURAGES THE GOVERNMENT TO COOPERATE WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO ENSURE TRANSPARENCY IN INVESTIGATING AND COMBATING TERRORIST ACTIVITIES. WE CANNOT CONTINUE TO STAND BY AND OBSERVE THE MASSACRES OF INNOCENT CIVILIANS-PARTICULARLY WOMEN AND YOUNG CHILDREN. THE GOVERNMENT OF ALGERIA HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS TOWARDS DEMOCRACY, AND WE MUST INSIST THAT PEACE IS RESTORED BY ASSISTING THEM IN TAKING INCREMENTAL STEPS TOWARD DEMOCRACY. FINALLY, MR. CHAIRMAN, I WILL LIKE TO SAY THAT THIS RESOLUTION EMBODIES THE PRINCIPLES OF LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE RULES OF LAW. THESE ARE BASIC PRINCIPLES THAT THE U.S. IS COMMITTED TO PROMOTING ABROAD. ALSO, I WILL CONTINE TO URGE MEMBERS OF THIS COMMITTEE AND MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO VISIT ALGERIA. I BELIEVE THAT OUR PRESENCE ALONE WOULD DEMONSTRATE CONTINUING LEADERSHIP OF THE UNITED STATES. Statement of Congressman Tom Lantos House Joint Resolution 102 – Expressing the Sense of the Congress on the 50th Anniversary of the Founding of the Modern State of Israel Committee on International Relations Mr. Chairman, I first want to thank you for your support of this legislation. No one in this body has been a more steadfast supporter of the democratic state of Israel than you, Mr. Chairman. Through the years, with action after action, you have demonstrated your profound commitment to this democratic friend and ally of the United States and to the ultimate goal of that democratic friend and ally, the securing of a permanent and stable peace in the region. I also want to pay tribute to my friend from Indiana, Mr. Hamilton, the Ranking Democratic member of this Committee for his support of this resolution. Mr. Chairman, I would like to discuss the essence of my resolution. We in the Congress are congratulating the modern state of Israel, which is the outgrowth of the existence of the historic Kingdom of Israel established three thousand years ago, with its capitol in the city of Jerusalem. The establishment of the modern State of Israel 50 years ago followed the slaughter of more than 6 million Jews in the concentration camps and gas chambers of Europe. Since its creation as a tiny nation on a tiny piece of land with a population of only 600,000, the modern state of Israel has rebuilt a nation, forged a new and dynamic society, created a unique and vital economic political, cultural and intellectual life. This has been done despite the mind-boggling cost of six wars which were conducted against Israel, continuing terrorism, international ostracism and serious economic boycotts. The people of Israel have established a vibrant, functioning, pluralistic democratic system which cherishes the right of free speech, free press, free and fair and open elections, the rule of law, and all the democratic practices of a free society. During the first 50 years of its existence, this young State absorbed well over a million Statement of Congressman Tom Lantos Page 2 refugees from throughout the world, ranging from Ethiopia to the former Soviet Union and integrated these people fully into the very fabric of Israeli society. For a half a century, the United States and Israel have maintained a special and unique relationship based on mutually shared democratic values, common strategic interests, and moral bonds of friendship and mutual respect. The American people have shared an affinity with the people of Israel and regard Israel as a strong and trusted ally and an important strategic partner in the Middle East. The resolution we are considering recognizes the historic significance of the 50th anniversary of the reestablishment of the sovereign and independent modern State of Israel and commends the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements in building a new State and a pluralistic democratic society in the Middle East in the face of terrorism, hostility, and belligerence by many of her neighbors. It also reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation which have existed between the United States and Israel for a half a century and which have been significant and beneficial to both of our countries. Of course, it also extends our warmest congratulations and best wishes for the State of Israel and for her people for a future of peace, prosperity, and success. Mr. Chairman, it is most fitting that we join in celebrating Israel's 50th anniversary and the anniversary of the warm and friendly relations between our two countries. The Prophet Isaiah foretold that Israel would become ‘a light unto the nations,' and Israel has indeed become such a light – a society which has enshrined justice and truth compassion and respect for human rights. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues on the Committee to support the adoption of this resolution. |