Tom Lantos: “Mr. Speaker, the suicide attacks today in Jerusalem's open air market are cause for deep sadness on everyone's part.…”

“Mr. Speaker, the suicide attacks today in Jerusalem's open air market are cause for deep sadness on everyone's part. First and foremost, the sympathies of all people of conscience go to the victims and their families. The loss of life and limb in such circumstances is painful beyond words. Our heart goes out to those who have suffered from this callous act of terrorism. These were innocent people who did not deserve to die, who did not deserve to have their bodies mangled for life. Beyond the individual tragedy is the impact this crime will have upon the peace process. The risks which any government is willing to take for peace are limited by its concerns for the security of its citizens. The limits of trust between negotiating parties are defined by the integrity of each in resolutely safeguarding the security of the other. Both sides have been disappointed. Israel has been repeatedly disappointed in its request from the Palestinian Authority for a return to previous cooperation in preventing attacks on civilians and bringing perpetrators to justice. It is not likely that there will be concessions of autonomy and territory if the result is going to be terrorism. Without mutual cooperation, the cycle of hostility will continue delaying, perhaps destroying, the peace which Israelis and Palestinians alike desire.”