Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I rise today to strongly urge my colleagues to support the McCloskey-Gilman-Bonior-Hoyer amendment, which provides for the immediate and unilateral lifting of the arms embargo against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Let us once and for all dispel the myth that all sides are equal in what some still attempt to portray as a civil war. Our irresolute policy to date has only encouraged violence and ethnic cleansing. In short, Mr. Chairman, alternatives to lifting the arms embargo have not worked. For over 2 years we have witnessed the ravages of aggression and genocide in Bosnia. Over 200,000 people are dead or missing and presumed dead; 85 percent of this total were civilians, and perhaps most staggering is the fact that nearly as many children have died as have combatants. Against this backdrop, it is unconscionable that we continue to deny the Bosnians the opportunity to obtain the necessary means to defend themselves. The continued imposition of an arms embargo against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a sovereign nation, in the face of a well-armed aggressor is reprehensible and should end without further delay. Mr. Chairman, we are already a year later. As for taking sides, Elie Wiesel observes "Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim." Mr. Chairman, the Bosnians have demonstrated their determination and courage to defend their country and all that it stands for. Their Prime Minister has asked for our help.”