FASCEL015 2 Whereas for 40 years the United Nations, through its peacekeeping forces, has contributed to the reduction of armed conflict between nations and to the initiation of negotiations between nations; Whereas nearly 60 nations have participated in 14 separate United Nations missions to enforce peace accords, ceasefires, and armistices; Whereas the performance of vital peacekeeping duties by the United Nations have involved great heroism and, at times, Whereas United Nations peacekeeping forces, under the effective leadership of Secretary General Javier Perez de Cuellar, have become a vital element of international diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts in the Middle East, the Persian Gulf, and in Afghanistan; Whereas on September 29, 1988, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced that the United Nations peacekeeping forces would be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for the year 1988, because in the judgment of the Committee they represent the manifest will of the community of nations to achieve peace through negotiations and the forces have, by their presence, made a decisive contribution toward the initiation of actual peace negotiations ́ ́; and Whereas the United Nations can play an important role in mediation efforts to bring about the release of the United States citizens, including a member of the U.N. Peacekeeping Force, and other hostages being held hostage in the Middle East: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives- (1) commends the selection of the United Nations peacekeeping forces as the recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize for the year 1988; (2) recognizes the courage of United Nations peacekeeping forces and the sacrifice which hundreds of soldiers from many countries have made in the cause of peace; (3) expresses its hope that the United Nations and its peacekeeping forces will continue and intensify their efforts to strengthen international peace and security; and (4) urges the United Nations to redouble its efforts to bring about the release of the United States citizens and other individuals being held hostage in the Middle East. Chairman FASCELL. This resolution comes from the ranking minority member of the Appropriations Committee, who felt that at this particular time it would be useful for the Congress and helpful for peacekeeping forces generally, if the United States Congress took note of the fact that peacekeeping forces have played an extremely useful role around the world. It therefore commends the selection of the U.N. peacekeeping forces for the Nobel Peace Prize and recognizes the courage of the men and women who are part of those peacekeeping forces and the sacrifices they have made in the cause of peace, and expresses the hope that the U.N. and the peacekeeping forces will continue their efforts. We urge the U.N. to redouble its efforts to bring about the release of not only American citizens, but others who are held hostage, whether they are in the peacekeeping force or not. Mr. Hyde. Mr. HYDE. I think I have no quarrel with this resolution. Anybody who is engaged in peacekeeping deserves as much accommodation as they can get for what is a dangerous and a thankless job. But I regret the Nobel Peace Prize Committee passed up General Secretary Gorbachev and President Reagan, because the reaching of an agreement for the first time in history to reduce nuclear weapons, to eliminate an entire class of them was a monumental achievement from two such opposing forces. I think they deserved recognition by the Peace Committee. I think the committee awards their Peace Prizes to people who have done their duty, their assigned duties as determined by policy makers. And I think it is—I think they are worthy of this, but I regret the politics or the oversight in passing up the General Secretary and the President of the United States for what I think is the premier achievement in terms of peace, certainly of this year. And I thank the chairman. Chairman FASCELL. Any further discussion on this resolution? If not, the question is on agreeing to the resolution. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. All those opposed, no. The resolution is agreed to. Mr. Burton. Mr. BURTON. One thing I tried to get on the agenda, but was not successful in doing, is to get on the agenda the legislation that would demand before we enter into any START agreements that the Soviets adhere to their previous amendment regarding the ABM violations that are taking place. Krasnoyarsk should be dismantled before we start negotiations. Legislation to this effect passed the Senate by a vote of 81 to nothing. And while it is late in the session, I wanted to try to get that passed, to get approval. It already passed the Senate. The chairman indicated it probably wouldn't be possible. Is that correct, Mr. Chairman? Chairman FASCELL. The gentleman is correct. Mr. BURTON. What I would suggest and urge is very early next year, since we are running out of time right now, I would ask the chairman to make this a top priority so we can pass it early next year and get it to the President, whoever he is, so they know what the sentiment of Congress is, that until Krasnoyarsk is dismantled, we don't think we should negotiate a START agreement. Chairman FASCELL. I can assure you that issue is a continuing priority of several subcommittees of this committee. As a matter of fact, we just had a briefing last week. I can tell the gentleman the Administration has got this very much on track, and that we will be monitoring it very carefully. We will be taking it up early next year. Mr. BURTON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman FASCELL. Is there further discussion? If not, the committee stands adjourned, with the thanks of the Chair for your support. Hopefully, this will be the last meeting of this committee in this Congress. [Whereupon, at 10:50 a.m., the committee was adjourned.] APPENDIX Wednesday, September 14, 1988 MARKUP OF H. CON. RES. 344 BY SUBCOMMITTEE ON 19 20 21 221 23 24 25 The subcommittee met, pursuant to call, at 9:36 a.m., in Room 2200, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. George W. Crockett, Jr. (chairman of the subcommittee) presiding. Mr. CROCKETT. The Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere Affairs will come to order. We have before us today a markup on House Concurrent 26 Water Commission for its efforts during the past 100 years At this point the resolution will be considered as read and open for amendment. resolution? 27 to improve the social and economic welfare of the United 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 Mr. LAGOMARSINO. Mr. Chairman, I have studied the resolution and I think it's a worthy one. I would move it be adopted. Mr. CROCKETT. Those in favor of the motion will say aye. [Chorus of ayes.) Those who oppose will say no. The ayes have it and the resolution is favorably reported to the full Committee. The subcommittee stands adjourned. [Whereupon, at 9:38 a.m., the subcommittee was adjourned. ] (429) 95-570 (440) |