Thomas Daschle: “I strongly support the Lieberman amendment reaffirming this Nation's solidarity with Israel. It is a timely resolution…”

“I strongly support the Lieberman amendment reaffirming this Nation's solidarity with Israel. It is a timely resolution, and I am proud to be a cosponsor. I have said many times that the terrorist attacks on our country on September 11 brought us closer to Israel. Every American now better understands the terrifying reality that Israelis have lived with day in and day out since Israel was founded 54 years ago. Today we send a message to the people of Israel: We stand with you in this time of great challenge. Each of us recalls the hundreds of letters and resolutions that poured into our offices from foreign capitals around the world in the aftermath of September 11. Their message was clear: The world will not allow terrorism to triumph. We are right to send that same message to our friends in Israel today. This amendment rightly calls on Chairman Arafat to fulfill his commitment to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure in the territories. Without a clear and demonstrable commitment to battle terrorists, the world will remain skeptical of his intentions and his goals. As Arafat acts, so must the rest of us. We all have a role to play, and this amendment calls on 'all parties in the region to pursue vigorously efforts to establish a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace.'”