Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: “Tomorrow marks the sixth anniversary of the heinous terrorist act against the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos…”

“Tomorrow marks the sixth anniversary of the heinous terrorist act against the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Six years ago, on July 18, 1994, a dark cloud of fear and anguish enveloped this South American city when 86 innocent human beings, including frail little girls and boys, were killed, and 300 were wounded as a result of the bombing. However, 6 years later, Mr. Speaker, sorrow, despair and frustration still permeate the air. Six years later, justice, peace, and security continue to be elusive abstract concepts. But as Argentina's current president, Fernando de la Rua, has stated, it is imperative to keep the memory alive, because forgetfulness is a shelter for impunity. This leads to the primary reason why I introduced this resolution, to renew and redirect international attention in order to ensure that justice will be finally served. Further, this resolution serves to honor and remember the victims; to outline the evidence supporting the international and local connections to the bombing; to bring to the forefront reported attempts by elements of the Argentine security forces to derail the main investigation by hiding evidence and creating false leads.”