Rep. Corrine Brown: “It saddens and angers me that Jacksonville resident, Mr. David Daliberti, and another American, Mr. Bill Barloon, have…”

“It saddens and angers me that Jacksonville resident, Mr. David Daliberti, and another American, Mr. Bill Barloon, have been detained in Iraq. All indications are that the incident was a result of innocent mistakes. Mr. Daliberti, without hesitation, authorized the release of information about his case. The United Nations Iraq Kuwait Observer Mission [UNIKOM] has admitted that the Americans' crossing into Iraq was their error. During the recent trial, Mr. Daliberti and Mr. Barloon had a court appointed attorney who argued on their behalf but the judge found them in violation of an Iraqi residency law and sentenced them to 8 years in prison. I am outraged by the imprisonment of innocent Americans and join with my colleagues in condemning this action. Saddam Hussein should immediately pardon and release these two Americans. I have urged President Clinton to use all necessary measures to bring this situation to a swift, negotiated and peaceful conclusion. I am continuing to monitor this international situation through daily contact with White House advisors and with the State Department. I am hopeful that the Americans will soon be returned to their awaiting friends and family.”