Benjamin Gilman: “Mr. Speaker, this resolution expresses the sense of the Congress that the Government of the Federal Republic of…”

“Mr. Speaker, this resolution expresses the sense of the Congress that the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and its President, Slobodan Milosevic, should release the three U.S. servicemen now in his custody. This certainly is an issue of the highest national concern, and our thoughts and prayers are with these brave individuals and their families. I want to commend the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Napolitano) for bringing this measure forward at this time. This resolution duly states that the Yugoslav authorities are responsible under the Geneva Convention for the treatment of Staff Sergeant Christopher Stone of Smith's Creek, Michigan; Staff Sergeant Andrew A. Ramirez of Los Angeles, California; and Specialist Steven M. Gonzales of Huntsville, Texas. Frankly, it is outrageous that Milosevic and his henchmen are toying with these soldiers, exploiting them for their own purposes and at the same time refusing to honor their commitment under the Geneva Convention to permit access of the International Committee of the Red Cross to verify that these men are not being mistreated.”