I think that's what President Obama said a short time ago is absolutely right, we will want to see, after that, gestures and actions consistent with the two-state solution.

here in Congress there's been a lot of discussion recently about how--and whether--the United States should engage with and provide aid to any possible Palestinian unity government.

The last time this committee met to discuss the Middle East peace process, in September of last year, I expressed regret that the previous administration did not engage on this issue earlier.

I continue to believe that an independent commission of inquiry, as Chairman Leahy has proposed, is needed so that we can fully understand and come to terms with this dark chapter in our recent history.

Any misconduct has to be fixed, but let's not have any confusion coming out of this hearing, that the issue that founded this has to do with rape and other conduct being used essentially as a form of genocide or war.

I would like express my sincere appreciation to Senator Barbara Boxer and Senator Russell Feingold for their remarkable effort to bring the issue of sexual violence and gender-based violence against women to the attention of the United…

the Obama administration must expand its role in addressing this regional dimension

Among the many troubling things I've seen and heard during my travels over the last 17 years as a member of this committee, the suffering of women and girls in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo stands out.

I think we need to do a lot more to invest in that, because it is a long-term critical investment.

This is all part of a war, and that is why we've got to end the war.

Let me be clear: This so-called enhanced interrogation program was illegal, it was contrary to our national values, and it undermined our national security.

I'm, of course, honored to be cochairing this hearing with Senator Boxer, who has been a great leader in raising awareness about the many challenges facing women and girls around the world.

I do not want to undercut how important it is that we have something like MONUC in order to provide us the ability to simply get in there and try to do the kinds of things Senator Boxer's particularly talking about.

This issue of sexual violence is completely out of control and it's on your watch.

It ought to be a central part of our foreign policy.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Senator Boxer and Senator Feingold for bringing the issue of sexual and gender-based violence to the attention of the United States Government.

opening statement

I think first and foremost, the power is at the level of political power, and that's what really is critical in terms of the ultimate outcomes.