SPEAKERS CONTENTS INSERTS
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50–307 CC
1998
H. CON. RES. 222, H. CON. RES. 215, S. CON. RES. 37, H. RES. 374, H. RES. 350, H. CON. RES. 218 AND H. J. RES. 102
MARKUP
BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ONE HUNDRED FIFTH CONGRESS
SECOND SESSION
APRIL 1, 1998
Printed for the use of the Committee on International Relations
COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
BENJAMIN A. GILMAN, New York, Chairman
WILLIAM GOODLING, Pennsylvania
JAMES A. LEACH, Iowa
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HENRY J. HYDE, Illinois
DOUG BEREUTER, Nebraska
CHRISTOPHER SMITH, New Jersey
DAN BURTON, Indiana
ELTON GALLEGLY, California
ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida
CASS BALLENGER, North Carolina
DANA ROHRABACHER, California
DONALD A. MANZULLO, Illinois
EDWARD R. ROYCE, California
PETER T. KING, New York
JAY KIM, California
STEVEN J. CHABOT, Ohio
MARSHALL ''MARK'' SANFORD, South Carolina
MATT SALMON, Arizona
AMO HOUGHTON, New York
TOM CAMPBELL, California
JON FOX, Pennsylvania
JOHN McHUGH, New York
LINDSEY GRAHAM, South Carolina
ROY BLUNT, Missouri
KEVIN BRADY, Texas
RICHARD BURR, North Carolina
LEE HAMILTON, Indiana
SAM GEJDENSON, Connecticut
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TOM LANTOS, California
HOWARD BERMAN, California
GARY ACKERMAN, New York
ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA, American Samoa
MATTHEW G. MARTINEZ, California
DONALD M. PAYNE, New Jersey
ROBERT ANDREWS, New Jersey
ROBERT MENENDEZ, New Jersey
SHERROD BROWN, Ohio
CYNTHIA A. McKINNEY, Georgia
ALCEE L. HASTINGS, Florida
PAT DANNER, Missouri
EARL HILLIARD, Alabama
BRAD SHERMAN, California
ROBERT WEXLER, Florida
STEVE ROTHMAN, New Jersey
BOB CLEMENT, Tennessee
BILL LUTHER, Minnesota
JIM DAVIS, Florida
LOIS CAPPS, California
RICHARD J. GARON, Chief of Staff
MICHAEL H. VAN DUSEN, Democratic Chief of Staff
HILLEL WEINBERG, Senior Professional Staff Member and Counsel
CHARMAINE V. HOUSEMAN, Staff Associate
C O N T E N T S
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Markup of H. Con. Res. 222, A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress, congratulating the former International Support and Verification Commission of the Organization of American States (OAS–CIAV) for successfully aiding in the transition of Nicaragua from a war-ridden state into a newly formed democracy and providing continued technical support through the recently created Technical Cooperation Mission (OAS–TCM) which is responsible for helping stabilize Nicaraguan democracy by supplementing institution building
Markup of H. Con. Res. 215, A concurrent resolution congratulating the people of Guyana for holding multi-party elections
Markup of S. Con. Res. 37, A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that Little League Baseball Incorporated was established to support and develop Little League baseball worldwide and that its international character and activities should be recognized
Markup of H. Res. 374, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the ongoing violence in Algeria
Markup of H. Res. 350, Congratulating the people of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of their nation's independence
Markup of H. Con. Res. 218, A concurrent resolution concerning the urgent need to establish a cease fire in Afghanistan and begin the transition toward a broad-based multiethnic government that observes international norms of behavior
Markup of H. J. Res. 102, A joint resolution expressing the sense of the Congress on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel and reaffirming the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel
APPENDIX
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H. Con. Res. 222
H. Con. Res. 215
S. Con. Res. 37
H. Res. 374
Amendment in the nature of a substitute to H. Res. 374 offered by Mr. Royce
Amendment to H. Res. 374 offered by Mr. Menendez
H. Res. 350
H. Con. Res. 218
H. J. Res. 102
Prepared statements:
The Honorable Christopher H. Smith, a Representative in Congress from New Jersey, and Chairman, Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights
The Honorable Donald M. Payne, a Representative in Congress from New Jersey
The Honorable Alcee Hastings, a Representative in Congress from Florida on H. Res. 374
The Honorable Tom Lantos, a Representative in Congress from California on H. J. Res. 102
H. CON RES. 222, EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS, CONGRATULATING THE FORMER INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT AND VERIFICATION COMMISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES (OAS–CIAV) FOR SUCCESSFULLY AIDING IN THE TRANSITION OF NICARAGUA FROM A WAR-RIDDEN STATE INTO A NEWLY FORMED DEMOCRACY AND PROVIDING CONTINUED SUPPORT THROUGH THE RECENTLY CREATED TECHNICAL COOPERATION MISSION (OAS–TCM) WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HELPING TO STABILIZE NICARAGUAN DEMOCRACY BY SUPPLEMENTING INSTITUTION BUILDING; H. CON. RES. 215, CONGRATULATING THE PEOPLE OF THE CO-OPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA FOR HOLDING MULTIPARTY ELECTIONS; S. CON. RES. 37, EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE CONGRESS THAT LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL INCORPORATED WAS ESTABLISHED TO SUPPORT AND DEVELOP LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL WORLDWIDE AND THAT ITS INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER AND ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED; H. RES. 374, EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REGARDING THE ONGOING VIOLENCE IN ALGERIA; H. RES. 350, CONGRATULATING THE PEOPLE OF SRI LANKA ON THE OCCASION OF THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR NATION'S INDEPENDENCE; H. CON. RES. 218, CONCERNING THE URGENT NEED TO ESTABLISH A CEASE FIRE IN AFGHANISTAN AND BEGIN THE TRANSITION TOWARD A BROAD-BASED MULTIETHNIC GOVERNMENT THAT OBSERVES INTERNATIONAL NORMS OF BEHAVIOR; AND H. J. RES. 102, EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE CONGRESS ON THE OCCASION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE MODERN STATE OF ISRAEL AND REAFFIRMING THE BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND ISRAEL
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1998
U.S. House of Representatives
Committee on International Relations
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 1:10 p.m., before the Honorable Benjamin Gilman, Chairman, presiding.
Present: Representatives Gilman, Gallegly, Rohrabacher, Chabot, Salmon, Campbell, Hamilton, Lantos, Menendez, Hastings, Sherman, Luther, and L. Capps.
Mr. GALLEGLY [PRESIDING]. The Committee will be in order.
The Chair lays before the Committee a concurrent resolution relating to the former International Support and Verification Commission of the Organization of American States. The clerk will report the resolution.
Ms. BLOOMER. H. Con. Res. 222, Expressing the sense of Congress, congratulating the former International Support and Verification Commission of the Organization of American States for successfully aiding in the transition of Nicaragua from a war-ridden state into a newly formed democracy and providing continued support through the recently created Technical Cooperation mission which is responsible for helping to stabilize Nicaraguan democracy by supplementing institution building.
Mr. GALLEGLY. Without objection, the clerk will read the preamble and operative language of the resolution for amendment.
Ms. BLOOMER. Whereas the Organization of American States——
Mr. GALLEGLY. Without objection, the resolution will be considered as having been read and open to amendment at any point.
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[H. Con. Res. 222 appears in the appendix.]
This resolution was introduced by myself on February the 12th. It was referred to the Committee and then referred to the Subcommittee of the Western Hemisphere, which considered it on March 4th and ordered it forwarded to the Full Committee.
At this time I will recognize myself for 5 minutes.
In 1989 at the conclusion of the devastating civil war in Nicaragua the Nation was confronted with the sensitive task of disarming, repatriating, and resettling members of the former Contra resistance movement.
Recognizing the need for help in carrying out this effort, the government of Nicaragua asked the OAS for help. On August the 7th, 1989 the International Support and Verification Commission of the OAS was created. Over the next 8 years the OAS–CIAV mission helped demobilize over 22,000 members of the Contra organization, distributed food and other humanitarian assistance to over 100,000 Nicaraguans and created 86 peace commissions to provide human rights and conflict resolution training.
By every account the OAS–CIAV mission was a great success for both Nicaragua and the OAS itself, and this resolution congratulates the OAS–CIAV Commission for a job well done.
This resolution we are considering was passed unanimously by the Subcommittee and is similar to a resolution passed by the full Senate last year. I would urge my colleagues to pass the resolution.
Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Chairman.
Mr. GALLEGLY. Are there any Members seeking recognition? Mr. Campbell.
Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Chairman, I have a motion. I move that the Chairman be requested to seek consideration of this measure on the suspension calendar.
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Mr. GALLEGLY. The question is on the motion. All in favor say aye.
[Chorus of ayes.]
Mr. GALLEGLY. Any opposed?
[No response.]
Mr. GALLEGLY. The ayes appear to have it and the ayes have it and the motion is agreed to.
Mr. GALLEGLY. The Chair lays before the Committee a concurrent resolution relating to Guyana. The clerk will report the title of the resolution.
Ms. BLOOMER. House Concurrent Resolution 215, Congratulating the people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana for holding multiparty elections.
Mr. GALLEGLY. This resolution was considered in the Subcommittee of the Western Hemisphere and reported from the Subcommittee with an amendment in the nature of a substitute.
Without objection, the Subcommittee amendment in the nature of a substitute will be considered as the original text for the purposes of amendment and without objection, the clerk will read the preamble and operative language of the Subcommittee amendment in that order for amendment.
Ms. BLOOMER. Whereas the people of Guyana voted on December 15, 1997 to re-elect the ruling party, the People's Progressive——
Mr. GALLEGLY. Without objection, the Subcommittee amendment will be considered as having been read and open to amendment at any time.
[H. Con. Res. 215 appears in the appendix.]
I would recognize myself at this time for 5 minutes.
During the recess from October last year until January several nations of the Western Hemisphere including Honduras, Colombia, Jamaica, and Chile held important Presidential, Congressional, or municipal elections. These elections represented another important step in the consolidation of democracy in the Americas.
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All of these nations deserve our support.
One of those elections and the subject of this bill was held on December 15th of last year when the people of Guyana elected their new President.
H. Con. Res. 215 was introduced by our colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey, Don Payne, and congratulates the 88 percent of the voters of Guyana who participated in their elections.
By all accounts these elections were judged to be free and fair by a team of international election observers, despite the fact that some ballot-counting problems did arise which necessitated an audit which is currently underway.
Interestingly enough, the new President, Mrs. Janet Jagen, is a U.S.-born native of Chicago who succeeds her husband, the former President, who passed away last year.
At any rate, I want to commend our colleague, Don Payne, for introducing this bill, and urge its adoption by the Committee.
Are there any Members seeking recognition to offer amendments to the Subcommittee amendment in the nature of a substitute? If not, the amendment in the nature of a substitute is adopted, without objection.
The gentleman from California is recognized to offer a motion.
Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Chairman be requested to seek consideration of this measure, as amended on the suspension calendar.
Mr. GALLEGLY. The question is on the motion.
As many as are in favor will signify by saying aye.
[Chorus of ayes.]
Mr. GALLEGLY. Those opposed?
[No response.]
Mr. GALLEGLY. The ayes appear to have it and the ayes have it and the motion is agreed to.
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Further proceedings on this measure are postponed and the Committee will now stand in recess until the end of this pending vote.
[Recess.]
Mr. CHABOT [PRESIDING]. The Committee will resume its sitting. The Chair lays before the Committee a concurrent resolution relating to Little League Baseball Incorporated. The clerk will report the title of the resolution.
Ms. BLOOMER. S. Con. Res. 37, concurrent resolution, expressing the sense of the Congress that Little League Baseball Incorporated was established to support and develop Little League baseball and worldwide and that its international character and activities should be recognized.
Mr. CHABOT. Without objection, the clerk will read the preamble and operative language of the Subcommittee amendment and that order for amendment.
Ms. BLOOMER. Whereas Little League Baseball Incorporated is——
Mr. CHABOT. Without objection, the resolution will be considered as having been read and is open to amendment at any point.
[S. Con. Res. 37 appears in the appendix.]
This Senate concurrent resolution was referred to the Committee and then referred by the Chairman of the Subcommittee on International Organizations and Human Rights, which considered it on February 12th and ordered it forward to the full Committee.
I should note that a companion House concurrent resolution was introduced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Mr. McDade.
Are there any Members seeking recognition or who wish to offer amendments to the Concurrent Resolution?
Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Chairman.
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Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Hamilton is recognized.
Mr. HAMILTON. I just want to indicate my support for the resolution. I commend the Chairman for bringing it forward. It states the sense of the Congress that Little League baseball is international in character and has engendered international goodwill. Every member of this institution, I am sure, has been personally involved with the Little League in some way, and we are happy to support its activities for the kids around the world. I urge the adoption of the resolution.
Mr. CHABOT. Without objection, the Chairman will be requested to seek consideration of this measure on the suspension calendar. Further proceedings on this measure are postponed and the Committee will be in recess.
[Recess.]
Chairman GILMAN. The Committee will come to order.
The Chair lays before the Committee a concurrent resolution relating to Algeria. The clerk will report the title of the resolution.
Ms. BLOOMER. H. Res. 374, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the ongoing violence in Algeria.
[H. Res. 374 appears in the appendix.]
Chairman GILMAN. This resolution was considered in Subcommittee on Africa and reported from that Subcommittee with an amendment in the nature of a substitute.
Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Chairman.
Chairman GILMAN. Who is seeking——
Mr. CHABOT. Can we have a debate on this?
Chairman GILMAN. Yes, we will. Without objection, the Subcommittee amendment in the nature of a substitute will be considered as original text for purposes of amendment. Without objection, the clerk will read the preamble and operative language of the Subcommittee amendment, in that order, for amendment.
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Ms. BLOOMER. Whereas, in January 1992, Algerian annulled the second round of Parliamentary elections——
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the Subcommittee amendment will be considered as having been read and open to amendment at any point. Resolution was introduced on March 2nd by Mr. Chabot. It was referred to the Committee and then referred by the Chairman to the Subcommittee on Africa, which considered it on March 4th and ordered it forwarded to the Full Committee.
[Amendment in the nature of a substitute to H. Res. 374 appears in the appendix.]
I now recognize the gentleman from Ohio, Mr. Chabot, to introduce the resolution.
Mr. CHABOT. I thank the Chairman. As my colleagues know, the distinguished Chairman of the Africa Subcommittee, Mr. Royce, is traveling with the President this week in Africa, so I have to thank him in absentia for his leadership on this issue.
I also want to thank my good friend and colleague from Florida, Mr. Hastings, the principal co-sponsor of this resolution, who, along with his very able staff, has worked tirelessly on this issue. I very much appreciate his counsel and assistance while we have worked on this measure. And I also want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey, Mr. Payne, for his invaluable contributions to the legislation and our Subcommittee.
Mr. Chairman, tens of thousands of Algerians, many of them women and children, have lost their lives since violent terrorist attacks began in 1992. Hundreds more perished during the holy month of Ramadan that ended just a few weeks ago. The Associated Press reports that as many as 120 people, including 32 children under the age of two, were killed by ax-wielding assailants just this past weekend.
This resolution, H. Res. 374, strongly condemns the perpetrators, the Armed Islamic Group, or GIA, and any other terrorist groups responsible for the atrocities being committed in Algeria, and urges those who continue to engage in violence and the fundamental abuse of human rights to discontinue such activity immediately.
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The legislation, while acknowledging that the government of Algeria has made progress toward democratization, calls on the government to take all necessary and legal steps to prevent violence and to stop it once it occurs, and encourages the government to cooperate with the international community to ensure transparency in the investigation and combating of terrorist activity.
Additionally, H. Res. 374 encourages the European Union and the government of Algeria to further their mutual cooperation against terrorism.
Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for bringing this resolution before the full Committee today. I think it is a timely resolution, hopefully, it will be helpful, and I urge adoption of the resolution.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Chabot.
The gentleman——
Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Chairman.
Chairman GILMAN. Who is seeking recognition? Mr. Hamilton has sought recognition—Mr. Hastings.
Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Chairman, I will be extremely brief, if I may be permitted to ask unanimous consent to place my entire statement in the record.
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection.
Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Chairman, I would like to say first that I appreciate very much the opportunity to join my good friend from Ohio, Mr. Chabot, as principal co-sponsor in regards to this resolution. Certainly, thank Chairman Royce and you, Mr. Chairman, and all that were involved.
I would like to say that this resolution embodies the principals of life, liberty and the rule of law and, of course, we feel that this will be helpful in expediting Algeria to peace and stability.
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One final thing, Mr. Chairman, I would hope at some point, aside from anything that the United Nations may do, that an appropriate delegation from the United States would visit Algeria. My experience has been that in these areas of high conflict, U.S. presence does help, and I would hope that comes about earlier rather than later.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Hastings.
Mr. Rohrabacher.
Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Chairman, I find myself in disagreement with this amendment. I would just like to say—first of all, there might be a small change that we could put in there, and that might change my mind on this. But if I could just explain. I have been following the events in Algeria for some time now.
And I am convinced that the cycle of violence that the people are suffering has come directly from the fact that the corrupt Socialist Government of Algeria prevented democratic elections from letting people determine their own destiny. They clamped down when the elections were not going in the way they wanted them to. That is what spurred the cycle of violence, and I do know that that is recognized in this amendment. It mentions that originally the democratic elections were not followed, and that is why there is a cycle of violence.
But I do not think that we can say that the majority of recent terrorist activities are being carried on by this Armed Islamic Group. I have read several reports—actually I have read several sworn statements by former policemen from Algeria who said that they were directed by their bosses and that they were part of police units that came into these areas and have been committing these horracious acts of terrorism. When we talk about this recent attack with axes and knives, this is totally consistent with what has been going on for a couple of years, and we have people who are telling us that they are working for the government and have been doing these things. So I don't think that we should say there is no doubt that the Armed Islamic Group has committed acts of terrorism, and I do not mind condemning them for that.
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It would help me if we could amend this by saying ''has been responsible for carrying out terrorist activities'' rather than saying ''carrying out the majority of recent terrorist activities,'' because I do not think we know for sure whether it is them or not who is carrying out these attacks. In fact, there is evidence showing just the opposite. And also what leads people to question this is that the government has not permitted independent investigators to go there onsite and to ask the people who were the victims and to ask the people in the surrounding areas who they think are committing these acts of terrorism.
So the government itself has been involved in what any unbiased observer would say would be a coverup of something, and yet we are just taking it for granted that all these acts of terrorism are committed by the dissidents who again admittedly they are terroristic, they have committed acts of terrorism, but I think the government deserves some of the credit too.
So if I could, Mr. Chairman, I do not know whether I have this parliamentary authority or not, but to suggest that we just amend out of this ''the majority of recent'' and then just condemn the GIA for ''terrorist activities'' rather than ''a majority of terrorist activities''.
Mr. CHABOT. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. ROHRABACHER. I certainly will.
Mr. CHABOT. I would respectfully disagree with the gentleman's statement that the evidence is not clear that it is a ''majority'' that has been carried out by them. However, I think there still is some question as to whether individuals connected with the government may or may not have been connected with some of the events, but I think it is accurate, the language, that it is a majority.
Now if the gentleman would feel more positive about supporting this legislation with that word change, I don't know that it makes any dramatic difference. Do you want to restate exactly what the language change you are suggesting is?
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Mr. ROHRABACHER. Well, as it states right now, if the gentleman would yield back, that we are condemning the GIA as being ''responsible for carrying out''—and here is the language that I would oppose—''the majority of recent terrorist activities''—and I would suggest that we change it to say ''has been responsible for carrying out terrorist activities.'' That way we're not letting the government off the hook if the government is responsible for many of these terrorist acts, and after all we do condemn both the government and this group if they have been engaged in killing unarmed people and noncombatants.
Chairman GILMAN. The gentleman has moved to strike the word ''majority.'' Does the sponsor accept it?
Mr. CHABOT. I do not personally have any problem with that. Since Mr. Hastings was an important cosponsor in this, I would be interested to hear what Mr. Hastings might have to say.
Chairman GILMAN. Mr. Hastings.
Mr. HASTINGS. I thank you, Mr. Chabot.
Would the gentleman yield, Mr. Chairman?
I too have no real objection. I, like Mr. Chabot, believe that it is the majority. I think it is something to be determined. But the operative phraseology is allowed in the resolving clause, and I would urge my colleague from California and friend to look at it where it says it urges those who continue to engage in violence and the fundamental abuse. I think your concerns are taken care of in the resolve clause, but like Mr. Chabot, if he has no objection to the proposed amendment, then I have none either, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman GILMAN. An amendment has been made to strike the word ''majority.'' It has been agreed to by the sponsors. Without objection, the measure is amended.
Mr. ROHRABACHER. Thank you very much. I thank my colleagues.
Chairman GILMAN. Mr. Menendez.
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Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, first I have a statement that I would like to introduce by unanimous consent into the record.
Chairman GILMAN. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. MENENDEZ. And second I have—well, do I have the time limited to strike the last word?
Chairman GILMAN. The gentleman has 5 minutes.
Mr. MENENDEZ. I yield a moment to my good friend from Florida.
Mr. HASTINGS. I thank you for yielding, and I apologize for interrupting your thought, but I would ask unanimous consent that Mr. Payne's, who is traveling with the President, record be admitted into the record.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Payne appears in the appendix.]
Mr. MENENDEZ. And at this time, Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk, and I ask——
Chairman GILMAN. Mr. Menendez has an amendment at the desk. The clerk will distribute the amendment. The clerk will read the amendment.
Ms. BLOOMER. Amendment offered by Mr. Menendez: At the end of the resolution add the following:
Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that the amendment be considered as read.
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the amendment is considered as read.
[The amendment to H. Res. 374 offered by Mr. Menendez appears in the appendix.]
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Chairman GILMAN. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. MENENDEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman, I want to first thank Mr. Chabot and Mr. Hastings for their efforts to bring the resolution before the Subcommittee and now before the Full Committee. Clearly since 1992 as many as 80,000 people have died and thousands of others have been injured, and in the past 2 months there has been a dramatic escalation in violence and the death toll has since the beginning of the year surpassed 1,500 individuals. My amendment would simply add a clause to the resolve section of the bill to encourage the Algerian Government to support the appointment of the U.N.-appointed Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Algeria.
Earlier this month the Congressional Human Rights Caucus sent a letter to Secretary Albright in which we asked that the United States introduce a resolution at the U.N. Commission on Human Rights to appoint a Special Rapporteur for Algeria. There is no question in my mind that the armed Islamic fundamentalist groups like the Armed Islamic Group and the Islamic Salvation Front are directly responsible for most of the horrific attacks against civilians in Algeria. Yet I am concerned about the absence of civilian protection and the refusal to allow relief assistance to reach victims of violence or to permit a U.N. Special Rapporteur to conduct missions in the country.
The United States and the international community have attempted to reach out to Algeria to offer assistance and guidance, but they have been largely rebuked. Algeria's efforts to handle this crisis internally have been ineffective. Progress will require Algeria opening up to the world. This means allowing the United Nations and other bodies to look at what is happening inside Algeria.
And I want to echo Mr. Hastings' remarks that there are some of us, I believe, who should go to Algeria in this respect. Since the fundamentalists are accountable to no one, the onus for action by necessity falls 100 percent on the Algerian Government. While the government may not be responsible for the violence which plagues Algeria, it is responsible for undertaking steps to lead the country toward reconciliation and ultimately peace.
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Only the government can start the process which will make 1998 the last year of bloodshed and the first year in many of stability, peace, and economic prosperity to Algeria. I understand our office is talking with Mr. Chabot about this amendment. I understand he is amenable to it. And I urge adoption of it and yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. HAMILTON. Would the gentleman yield?
Mr. MENENDEZ. I would be happy to yield to the ranking——
Mr. HAMILTON. I just want to thank him for offering the amendment. I think what has been lacking here is a credible verification, independent verification of the facts in Algeria. The gentleman's amendment goes to that point. It is a very worthy amendment. I support it. And, Mr. Chairman, while I have the floor, may I just say I support the resolution in general, because I think it is badly needed.
Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Hamilton.
Are there any other Members—Mr. Chabot.
Mr. CHABOT. Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word. I'll be very brief.
First of all, let me say I have a great deal of respect and appreciation for the work the gentleman from New Jersey does on this Committee, and I appreciate his leadership on the other side of the aisle on many issues. He has long been a vocal advocate for fundamental human rights around the world, and all of us on the Africa Subcommittee appreciate his work in that area.
The original language in the resolution on pages 2 and 3, and I quote, ''encourages the Government of Algeria to cooperate with the international community to ensure transparency in the investigation and combating of terrorist activity, including the use of objective investigators into the massacres;''.
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I believe the amendment offered by Mr. Menendez is consistent with the intention of the original resolution, and therefore I have no objection to it, and I thank him for offering this amendment and yield back the balance of my time.
Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Chabot.
The question is——
Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Chairman.
Chairman GILMAN. Who is seeking—Mr. Rohrabacher.
Mr. ROHRABACHER. I will be brief, and I support this amendment, and again it does underscore a more balanced approach to try and figure out who is doing all this killing in Algeria. Just for my colleagues' sake of understanding, again I have read personal sworn statements by people who used to work for the government who claimed they were part of teams that were sent by the government into these areas to commit these atrocities.
Also, many of the atrocities, hundreds if not thousands of these people who have been killed have been killed in areas that are not loyal to the government and that these Islamic groups would be killing their own people if they were the ones doing the killing. Not to say that those people are not committing the acts of terrorism and should be condemned for it, but there are two sides to this butchery going on, and in order to stop it, we need to take a balanced approach. And I think the gentleman's amendment goes a long way to achieving that.
Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Rohrabacher.
Are any other Members seeking recognition?
If not, the question is on the amendment of the gentleman from New Jersey, Mr. Menendez.
Without objection, the amendment is agreed to.
I'd like to thank the gentleman from Ohio, Mr. Chabot, the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Hastings, and the gentleman from New Jersey, Mr. Menendez, and the distinguished chairman of our Subcommittee, Mr. Royce. You have done an excellent job of finding consensus on what could have been difficult issues.
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This resolution appropriately calls on the Government of Algeria to allow neutral, independent international investigators to examine all the violence that has racked Algeria since 1992. There should be no mistake, however, that the thrust of this resolution is to strongly condemn the Armed Islamic Group and other terrorists inside Algeria who have slaughtered in barbaric fashion tens of thousands of innocent Algerians. There is no place in this world for such atrocities. The Government of Algeria continues to move toward democracy and economic reform, and our Nation should continue to assist these important endeavors. Again, I thank the gentleman, Mr. Chabot, for introducing the resolution, and I urge the Committee to adopt the resolution.
Are there any other Members seeking recognition?
If not, the question now is on adopting the Committee amendment in the nature of a substitute as amended.
As many as in favor of the Subcommittee amendment, as amended, signify by saying aye.
[Chorus of ayes.]
Those opposed, say no.
The ayes have it, and the amendment is agreed to.
The gentleman from Nebraska is recognized to offer a motion.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I move that the chairman be requested to seek consideration of this measure on the suspension calendar.
Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Bereuter.
The question is on the motion from the gentleman from Nebraska. As many as in favor of the motion signify by stating aye.
[Chorus of ayes.]
As many as are opposed, say no.
The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it. The motion is agreed to.
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Further proceedings on this measure are postponed.
We'll now take up H. Res. 350. The Chair lays the resolution before the Committee. The clerk will report the title of the resolution.
Ms. BLOOMER. House Resolution 350, Congratulating the people of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of their nation's independence.
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the clerk will read the preamble and operative language of the resolution.
Ms. BLOOMER. Whereas on February 4, 1948, the people of Sri Lanka gained——
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the reading of the resolution shall be dispensed with, and the resolution opened to amendment at any point.
[H. Res. 350 appears in the appendix.]
This resolution was introduced on February 4, 1998, by Mr. Bereuter, and referred to the Committee. It was referred by the chairman to the Subcommittee on Asia and Pacific, considered on February 12, and ordered reported without amendment, and I recognize the distinguished chairman of the Subcommittee, the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, to introduce the resolution. I recognize him for 5 minutes.
Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. H. Res. 350, Congratulating the people of Sri Lanka on the occasion of their fiftieth anniversary of their nation's independence, as you said was passed by the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific on February 12, 1998. It was introduced by this Member, Mr. Hamilton, and Mr. Berman with cosponsorship of many other Members, particularly from this Committee.
The resolution was actually introduced on February 4, the day that Sri Lanka celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its independence. America's relations with this island nation are very strong and productive. Social and economic progress that Sri Lanka has made in the last five decades is truly encouraging, and it has laid a strong foundation for its future.
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Sri Lankan Americans, both those of Sinhalese and Tamil ethnicity, have made major contributions to American society, and our relationship has proven mutually beneficial. While the official celebration will last all year, the precise date of the fiftieth anniversary was February 4. Major celebrations were held on that day, with Prince Charles being the head of the British delegation.
Regrettably, the celebrations were marred by a series of bombings. This tragic fact emphasizes the point that a terrible bloody civil war continues in Sri Lanka and it has cost tens of thousands of lives.
The purpose of today's resolution is not to debate the specifics of the ethnic conflict. Rather, we wish to celebrate the achievements of the people of Sri Lanka; Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim alike.
H. Res. 350 does precisely that. It congratulates the people of Sri Lanka and points to this occasion as an opportunity to renew the common U.S.-Sri Lankan commitment to international cooperation.
Mr. Chairman, I urge unanimous adoption of H. Res. 350.
Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Bereuter. Mr. Hamilton.
Mr. HAMILTON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I commend Mr. Bereuter for his leadership on the resolution. I strongly support it.
Fifty years ago the Sri Lankan people threw off the bonds of empire, and entered the ranks of free and independent nations. In the five decades since then and notwithstanding an insidious civil war and economic hardship, Sri Lanka has proudly maintained its independence, promoted economic development, and fostered a democratic form of government.
Sri Lanka has been a very good friend to the United States. The people of Sri Lanka have earned our respect and admiration.
This resolution attempts to convey those sentiments and to express our desire to see the bonds of friendship that link the two nations broadened and deepened in the years ahead.
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I fully support the resolution and I urge its adoption.
Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Hamilton. Are any other Members seeking recognition?
[No response.]
Chairman GILMAN. I wish that I could join in the enthusiasm the people of Sri Lanka deserve in celebration of this nation's 50th anniversary. However, the disappearances of persons taken into custody by military and special police units, the killings of some of the moderate Tamil Parliament members, and public execution of suspected informers or traitors by the Tamil tigers make it somewhat awkward to be overly joyous.
Our policy toward Sri Lanka does need some scrutiny and I hope we could begin to give some constructive criticism that could lead to peace in that long-troubled nation.
Are any other Members seeking recognition?
[No response.]
Chairman GILMAN. If not, the gentleman from Nebraska is recognized to offer a motion.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Chairman be requested to seek consideration of this measure on the suspension calendar.
Chairman GILMAN. The question is on the motion by the gentleman from Nebraska.
As many as in favor signify by saying aye.
[Chorus of ayes.]
Chairman GILMAN. As many as opposed signify by saying no.
[No noes.]
Chairman GILMAN. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it. The motion is agreed to. Further proceedings on the measure are postponed.
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The Chair now lays before the Committee a concurrent resolution relating to Afghanistan.
The clerk will report the title of the resolution.
Ms. BLOOMER. House Concurrent Resolution 218, Concerning the urgent need to establish a cease-fire in Afghanistan and begin the transition toward a broad-based multiethnic government that observes international norms of behavior.
Chairman GILMAN. This resolution was considered in the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific reported from that Subcommittee with an amendment in the nature of a substitute.
Without objection, the Subcommittee amendment in the nature of a substitute will be considered as the original test for purpose of amendment. Without objection, the clerk will read the preamble and operative language of the Subcommittee amendment, in that order, for amendment.
Ms. BLOOMER. Whereas peace and stability has not returned to Afghanistan despite the——
Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the Subcommittee amendment will be considered as having been read and it is open to amendment at any point.
H. Con. Res. 218 appears in the appendix.]
This resolution was introduced on February 12th by Mr. Bereuter. It was referred to the Committee and then referred to the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, which considered it on March 5th in order to forward it to the Full Committee.
I now recognize the chairman of the Subcommittee, the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, to introduce the resolution.
Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. H. Con. Res. 218, which was introduced by this Member and co-sponsored subsequently by many Members including the Chairman, addresses the continuing chaos in Afghanistan and the efforts of the United Nations and others to bring about an end to the fighting.
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One of the byproducts of the destruction brought about by the extended warfare is that Afghanistan has become one of the world's leading producers of opium. Other problems currently facing Afghanistan include serious and repeated human rights violations occurring throughout the country, an alarming rate of infant and child mortality, and the use of Afghanistan as a safe haven for terrorist leaders and activities.
Regrettably, the instability in Afghanistan has opened the country to significant influence from neighboring countries. On March 14, 1998, for example, the Washington Times reported that Afghanistan's neighbors are delivering large shipments of weapons and ammunition to the different factions in anticipation of future warfare. This certainly does not bode well for the prospect of peace in Afghanistan, but rather promises another summer of bloodshed and devastation in this tragic land.
The United States officially supports no party or faction in this conflict. However, we can and should back U.N. negotiation efforts to establish a coalition government where all factions are fairly represented.
H. Con. Res. 218 does just that. It urges the various factions and the nations of the region to use all avenues to work toward peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The H. Con. Res. was considered by the Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee on March 5 and favorably reported to the Full Committee.
I want to particularly recognize the interest and strong encouragement I received on the subject of Afghanistan from the gentleman from California, Mr. Rohrabacher, among other Members who have been very interested, understandably, in this subject.
I urge my colleagues to endorse this strong message in support of peace in Afghanistan.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Bereuter. I recognize the gentlewoman from California, Mrs. Capps.
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Mrs. CAPPS. Thank you. Mr. Chairman, this is a constructive resolution. The gentleman from Nebraska is to be commended for his leadership in bringing it before the Committee and for working closely with his colleagues on this side of the aisle on the final passage.
There are few nations in the world today whose prospects look bleaker than Afghanistan. The scene of bitter fighting for more than 18 years, Afghanistan today is virtually forgotten by the international community and this resolution seeks to refocus world attention upon Afghanistan.
It calls for an end to fighting in Afghanistan, for respect for human rights, and for the eradication of the heroin trade and the export of terrorism.
This resolution deserves our support and I urge its adoption.
Chairman GILMAN. I thank the gentlewoman for her comments.
Mr. Rohrabacher.
Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Chairman, I support this amendment but, just for the record, I would feel much more comfortable with an amendment that singles out the Taliban for the sins of what is going on in Afghanistan. I mean I don't think that the increased heroin trade is the fault of continuing conflict.
Those of us who have studied the situation in Afghanistan understand that almost all the heroin produced in Afghanistan today is produced in those areas under the domination of the Taliban and under areas that have been under Taliban domination for well over a year or 2 years now.
The same way with international terrorists that are finding safe haven in Afghanistan, these people are finding their safe haven and setting up their camps in the areas that are under control of the Taliban.
The Taliban, as most of us are aware, are probably the greatest abusers of human rights for women in the world and, in fact, should their brand of Islam catch on in the Third World, it would be a catastrophe for the female half of this planet whose rights have been expanding up until now in this century, but it would be a giant step backwards if Islam accepts this anti-female approach that the Taliban represent, and then throughout the Third World where Islam holds sway, that women's rights would be abused in such a heinous way.
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So, while supporting the amendment, I would prefer that people understand that it is not just ongoing chaos in Afghanistan, the Taliban are at fault for most of these things, and the U.S. policy, as far as I am concerned, is weighted in favor of the Taliban. And with that said, I do support this amendment, however.
Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Rohrabacher.
Are any other Members seeking recognition?
[No response.]
Chairman GILMAN. I want to thank the chairman of Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, Mr. Bereuter, and its Ranking Minority Member, Mr. Berman, for crafting this important piece of legislation.
H. Con. Res. 218 calls attention to the urgent needs of the Afghan people who have been suffering for years from the aftermath of the cold war. The current civil conflict has led to a breakdown in their civil society and large areas of Afghanistan are now training grounds for terrorism and the world's largest production grounds for opium.
Millions of land mines are killing scores of people daily and women are treated as chattels, as the gentleman has indicated. The war has created a huge humanitarian crisis in the north where more than 2 million refugees are in need of humanitarian assistance.
We commend our colleague, Congressman Rohrabacher, for filling in for the State Department and USAID by raising the funds to ship planeloads of medical equipment to those refugees, and I hope the Administration takes this resolution as a signal that it should be doing much more to resolve the crisis there, and it especially supports the inter-Afghan dialog process which would serve as a long-term solution to the problems.
Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.
Are there any other Members seeking recognition?
[No response.]
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Chairman GILMAN. If not, without objection, the amendment in the nature of a substitute is adopted and the gentleman from Nebraska is recognized to offer a motion.
Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Chairman be requested to seek consideration of this measure, as amended, on the suspension calendar.
Chairman GILMAN. The question is on the motion by the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter.
As many as in favor of the motion, signify by stating aye.
[Chorus of ayes.]
Chairman GILMAN. As many as opposed, say no.
[No noes.]
Chairman GILMAN. The ayes appear to have it, the ayes do have it. The motion is agreed to. Further proceedings on this measure are postponed.
Chairman GILMAN. The Chair now lays before the Committee a joint resolution relating the State of Israel. The clerk will report the title of the joint resolution.
Ms. BLOOMER. House Joint Resolution 102, expressing the sense of the Congress on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel and reaffirming the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel.
Chairman GILMAN. This resolution is in the original jurisdiction of the Full Committee. Without objection, the clerk will read the preamble and operative language of the jsa
oint resolution in that order for amendment.
Ms. BLOOMER. Whereas, on November 29, 1947, the U.N. General Assembly voted to partition the British Mandate of Palestine——
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Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the Joint Resolution will be considered as having been read and is open to amendment at any point.
[H. J. Res. 102 appears in the appendix.]
This resolution was introduced on November 7th by Mr. Lantos, and referred to our Committee.
I now recognize the gentleman—I ask unanimous consent that the statement of Mr. Lantos be entered into the record at this point.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Lantos on H. J. Res. 102 appears in the appendix.]
Chairman GILMAN. Is there any Member seeking recognition?
Mrs. Capps, the gentlelady from California.
Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Chairman, Congressman Tom Lantos is to be commended for introducing this timely resolution. I want to commend you, Mr. Chairman, for bringing this resolution before the Committee today.
The rebirth of the modern State of Israel is one of the most remarkable stories in human history. The United States has been a good friend and partner of Israel from its first hours. It is altogether fitting that we commemorate Israel's 50th anniversary.
I want to join my colleagues in working on behalf of the wishes expressed in the last resolved clause of this resolution, which is working for a peaceful, prosperous and successful future for the State of Israel and her people.
I urge an aye vote on H.J. Resolution 102.
Chairman GILMAN. I thank the gentlelady from California for her comments.
Are any other Members seeking recognition?
[No response.]
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Chairman GILMAN. I want to commend our colleague, Mr. Lantos, for sponsoring this measure which expresses the sense of Congress on the 50th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel and reaffirming the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our Nation and the State of Israel.
Over 50 years ago, the U.N. General Assembly voted to partition the British Mandate of Palestine and, through that vote, to create the State of Israel. It is one of the few positive initiatives that the United Nations has done for Israel. Fifty years later, it should take another step now and admit Israel to the Western European and Others Group, the WEOG group.
But on May 14th, 1948, Israel became a sovereign state and the U.S. Government recognized that state. The modern State of Israel was reborn after thousands of years, thanks to the leadership and years of dedicated commitment by Theodore Herzl and those who followed his vision.
The reestablished State became a homeland for Jews who survived Hitler's slaughter, as well as those who fled the Arab lands and other countries in which they had been persecuted. Despite the difficulties, Israel has absorbed hundreds of thousands of Jews over the past five decades and has become a thriving multi-cultural democracy that holds a special place as an ally of our nation.
The special relationship that we in our Nation share with Israel is based on democratic values, common strategic interests and moral bonds of friendship and mutual respect. Israel has been a strong and trusted friend and an important strategic partner.
H.J. Res. 102, therefore, 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 the face of terrorism, hostility and belligerence by many of her neighbors.
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This legislation reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation which have existed between our Nation and Israel for the past half-century which have been significant for both nations, and extends the warmest congratulations and best wishes to the State of Israel and her people for a peaceful and prosperous and successful future.
Further, and I would like to also note that the speaker is arranging to send a Congressional delegation to the state of Israel on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.
Without objection, a statement by Members on all of today's measures will be entered into the record for further proceedings.
[The information referred to appears in the appendix.]
Chairman GILMAN. Are there any Members seeking recognition or seeking to offer amendments on the resolution before us?
Mr. Rohrabacher.
Mr. ROHRABACHER. I would just like to say that 50 years of a democratic government in that part of the world is really a cause for celebration and Israel has suffered 50 years of conflict, and this has not been a peaceful time during this 50 years but they have been able to maintain their internal democratic institutions and I think that that certainly is worthy of respect and congratulations by all of us, and now let's hope that the next 50 years not only do they have those democratic institutions but perhaps there can be a peaceful settlement of some of the problems there and those people can live in peace and prosperity instead of constant conflict.
Chairman GILMAN. I thank the gentleman from California for his remarks.
Any other Members seeking recognition? If not, the gentleman from Nebraska is recognized to offer a motion.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I want to commend you and Mrs. Capps and Mr. Rohrabacher for your statements and to be associated with them. I'm pleased to be a co-sponsor.
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I move that the Chairman be requested to seek consideration of this measure on the suspension calendar.
Chairman GILMAN. The question is on the motion by the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter.
As many as in favor of the motion signify by stating aye.
[Chorus of ayes.]
Chairman GILMAN. As many as opposed signify by saying no.
[No noes.]
Chairman GILMAN. The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it, and the motion is agreed to. Further proceedings on the measure are postponed.
Chairman GILMAN. If there is no further business for the Committee, the Committee stands adjourned.
Thank you for being present.
[Whereupon, at 2:15 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]
A P P E N D I X
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