U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

63–549 CC WASHINGTON : 2000

MARKUP OF H. CON. RES. 102, H. CON. RES.

188, H. CON. RES. 46 AND H. CON. RES. 20

MARKUP

BEFORE THE

COMMITTEE ON

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

ONE HUNDRED SIXTH CONGRESS

FIRST SESSION

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1999

Serial No. 106–87

Printed for the use of the Committee on International Relations

(

(II)

COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

BENJAMIN A. GILMAN, New York, Chairman

WILLIAM F. GOODLING, Pennsylvania

JAMES A. LEACH, Iowa

HENRY J. HYDE, Illinois

DOUG BEREUTER, Nebraska

CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, New Jersey

DAN BURTON, Indiana

ELTON GALLEGLY, California

ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida

CASS BALLENGER, North Carolina

DANA ROHRABACHER, California

DONALD A. MANZULLO, Illinois

EDWARD R. ROYCE, California

PETER T. KING, New York

STEVE CHABOT, Ohio

MARSHALL ‘‘MARK’’ SANFORD, South

Carolina

MATT SALMON, Arizona

AMO HOUGHTON, New York

TOM CAMPBELL, California

JOHN M. MCHUGH, New York

KEVIN BRADY, Texas

RICHARD BURR, North Carolina

PAUL E. GILLMOR, Ohio

GEORGE RADANOVICH, California

JOHN COOKSEY, Louisiana

THOMAS G. TANCREDO, Colorado

SAM GEJDENSON, Connecticut

TOM LANTOS, California

HOWARD L. BERMAN, California

GARY L. ACKERMAN, New York

ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA, American

Samoa

MATTHEW G. MARTINEZ, California

DONALD M. PAYNE, New Jersey

ROBERT MENENDEZ, New Jersey

SHERROD BROWN, Ohio

CYNTHIA A. MCKINNEY, Georgia

ALCEE L. HASTINGS, Florida

PAT DANNER, Missouri

EARL F. HILLIARD, Alabama

BRAD SHERMAN, California

ROBERT WEXLER, Florida

STEVEN R. ROTHMAN, New Jersey

JIM DAVIS, Florida

EARL POMEROY, North Dakota

WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT, Massachusetts

GREGORY W. MEEKS, New York

BARBARA LEE, California

JOSEPH CROWLEY, New York

JOSEPH M. HOEFFEL, Pennsylvania

RICHARD J. GARON, Chief of Staff

KATHLEEN BERTELSEN MOAZED, Democratic Chief of Staff

HILLEL WEINBERG, Senior Professional Staff Member and Counsel

PARKER H. BRENT, Legislative Information Coordinator

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C O N T E N T S

WITNESSES

Page

Markup of H.Con. Res. 102 ..................................................................................... 1

Markup of H.Con. Res. 188 ..................................................................................... 1

Markup of H.Con. Res. 46 ....................................................................................... 1

Markup of H.Con. Res. 20 ....................................................................................... 1

APPENDIX

H.Con. Res. 102, reprint of ..................................................................................... 10

H.Con. Res. 188, reprint of ..................................................................................... 15

H.Con. Res. 46, reprint of ....................................................................................... 17

H.Con. Res. 20, reprint of ....................................................................................... 22

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MARKUP OF H. CON. RES. 102, H. CON. RES.

188, H. CON. RES. 46 AND H. CON. RES. 20

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1999

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS,

WASHINGTON, D.C.

The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 2:10 p.m. In Room

2172, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Benjamin A. Gilman

(Chairman of the Committee) Presiding.

Chairman GILMAN. The Committee will come to order.

The Committee on International Relations meets today in open

session pursuant to notice to mark up several resolutions.

We will first consider H. Con. Res. 102 relating to the International Red Cross. The Chair lays the resolution before the Committee. Clerk will report the title of the resolution.

Members will please take their seats.

Ms. BLOOMER. House Concurrent Resolution 102, Celebrating the

50th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and recognizing the humanitarian safeguards these treaties provide in times

of armed conflict.

Chairman GILMAN. This resolution was referred to the Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights but was

not acted upon. Without objection, the preamble and operative language of the resolution will be read in that order for amendment.

The clerk will read.

Ms. BLOOMER. Whereas the Geneva Conventions of 1949 set

basic humane——

Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the resolution is considered as having been read, and it is open to amendment at any

point.

[The information referred to appears in the appendix.]

Chairman GILMAN. This resolution was introduced by the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Johnson.

I now recognize myself on the resolution.

H. Con. Res. 102, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Geneva

Conventions of 1949, recognizes the important contribution the Geneva Conventions of 1949 have made to international humanitarian law. Last August, we observed the 50th anniversary of these

treaties. During this century, we have seen the scope and devastation of conflict and warfare reach hitherto unimaginable bounds

where virtually every individual of a society involved in war is affected. In order to ameliorate and to the greatest extent possible

mitigate the horrible devastation of modern warfare, the states

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parties to the Geneva Conventions have undertaken to recognize

certain limitations and to humanize the laws of war.

Are there any Members seeking recognition or seeking to offer

amendments? Any Members seeking to make any comments?

If not, the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, is recognized

to offer a motion.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Chairman be requested to seek consideration of the pending resolution on the suspension calendar.

Chairman GILMAN. The question is on a motion by the gentleman

from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter. All those in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye. All those opposed, say no.

The ayes have it. The motion is agreed to. Further proceedings

on this measure are postponed.

We will now consider H. Con. Res. 188 relating to Greece and

Turkey. The Chair lays the resolution before the Committee. The

Clerk will report the title of the resolution.

Ms. BLOOMER. House Concurrent Resolution 188, a Concurrent

Resolution commending Greece and Turkey for their mutual and

swift response to the recent earthquakes in both countries by providing to each other humanitarian assistance and rescue relief.

Chairman GILMAN. This resolution is in the jurisdiction of the

Full Committee. Without objection, the preamble and operative

language of the resolution will be read in that order for amendment. The Clerk will read.

Ms. BLOOMER. Whereas Greece and Turkey, two long-standing

allies of the United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organization——

Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the resolution is considered as having been read and is open to amendment at any point.

[The information referred to appears in the appendix.]

Chairman GILMAN. This amendment was introduced by the distinguished gentleman from Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, and several other

distinguished Members, including Mr. Burton and other cosponsors.

I recognize myself for discussion on the proposal.

The earthquake which devastated Turkey last August produced

a swift reaction in neighboring Greece. Putting aside bitter and

long-standing political differences, the people and government of

Greece responded to their neighbor’s plight with generous humanitarian assistance and support. The significance of Greece’s response

did not go unnoticed or unwelcomed in Turkey, as the Turkish government as well as media commented very positively about

Greece’s quick response to the tragedy.

In September, a strong but fortunately less destructive earthquake struck Athens, and Turkey was the first country to send assistance in the form of search and rescue teams to locate survivors.

In the aftermath of these two natural disasters, the Greek and

Turkish foreign ministers have met and agreed to continue discussions building on the new-found goodwill between the Greek and

Turkish people aimed at resolving the issues that have produced

tensions between these two NATO allies of the United States.

I commend the co-chairs of our Hellenic Issues Caucus, Mr. Bilirakis, the gentleman from Florida, and Ms. Maloney, the

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gentlelady from New York, for recognizing the significance of this

thaw in the relations between our two important allies in the eastern Mediterranean and for their initiatives which put the Congress

on record in support of continuing the dialogue between Greece and

Turkey so that all outstanding differences can be resolved.

I should also note that Mr. Burton of Indiana, a Senior Member

of this Committee, who has supported a balanced approach to

Greece and Turkey in the Committee and in the Congress is also

an original co-sponsor of this resolution.

Our government should do everything to assist and encourage

this process of reconciliation between Greece and Turkey. I urge

the Committee to unanimously adopt H. Con. Res. 188.

Mr. Bereuter.

Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate your excellent statement, and I would like to associate myself with it. If

staff finds it possible, I would like to be added as a co-sponsor for

the resolution.

Chairman GILMAN. Without objection.

Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Those of us that are friends of Greece and Turkey have noted for

so many years the friction, to say the least, that has existed between Greece and Turkey during the NATO meetings in the North

Atlantic Assembly, friction related to Turkey’s interest in joining

the European Union. But sometimes adversity brings people and

countries together, and it seems that the government of Greece deserves particular commendation for initiating assistance to Turkey

in the wake of the tragic earthquakes. Of course, as you pointed

out, then Turkey responded to what was fortunately a less devastating earthquake in Greece.

I think the government of Greece is demonstrating that it is interested in pursuing more positive relationships with Turkey, and

Turkey has gratefully and gracefully responded.

I noted also that Turkey was among the first countries to send

earthquake relief to Taiwan, even though they certainly have their

hands full at home with the aftermath of the tragedy. It is entirely

appropriate that our colleagues are commending these two countries for the thaw in relationships and their response to each other’s tragedies. I hope that it is an indication of more positive things

to come.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Bereuter.

Mr. Payne.

Mr. PAYNE. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I would like to stand in strong support of this resolution. I think

both nations certainly put aside some of the grievances, some of the

differences that we have seen in regard to the Cypres question and

that both countries came and showed their humanitarian assistance with swift action. Hopefully actions of this nature perhaps can

be built on where both countries could see the differences between

them, especially on the issue of Cypres, are very limited, especially

since Cypriots—all are Cypriots first, just about, and had been

Greek and Turkish secondarily up until the 1974–1973 invasion.

I would like to commend Mr. Bereuter and certainly urge all of

us to support that issue. Thank you.

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Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Payne.

Any other Members seeking recognition?

If not, the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, is recognized

to offer a motion.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I move the Chairman be requested to seek consideration of the pending resolution on the suspension calendar.

Chairman GILMAN. The question is now on the motion of the gentleman from Nebraska. All those in favor of the motion, signify by

saying aye. Those opposed, say no.

The ayes have it. The motion is agreed to. Further proceedings

on this measure are postponed.

We will now consider H. Con. Res. 46 relating to the war between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The Chair lays the resolution before

the Committee. The Clerk will report the title of the resolution.

Ms. BLOOMER. House Concurrent Resolution 46, a Concurrent

Resolution urging an end of the war between Eritrea and Ethiopia

and calling on the United Nations Human Rights Commission and

other human rights organizations to investigate human rights

abuses in Congress in connection with the Eritrean and Ethiopian

conflict.

Chairman GILMAN. This resolution was reported favorably without amendment by the Subcommittee on Africa. Without objection,

the preamble and operative language of the resolution will be read

in that order for amendment. The Clerk will read.

Ms. BLOOMER. Whereas peace and stability existed between Eritrea and Ethiopia following the 1991 ouster of the Mengistu——

Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the resolution is considered as having been read and is open to amendment at any point.

[The information referred to appears in the appendix.]

Chairman GILMAN. The Chairman recognizes the distinguished

Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, the gentleman from California, Mr. Royce, to introduce a resolution.

Mr. ROYCE. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

As you mentioned, this resolution was marked up last week by

the Africa Subcommittee. What this resolution does is urges an end

to the 17-month civil war between Eritrea and Ethiopia. That war

has now cost the lives of some 70,000 young men and women

slaughtered in trench warfare.

This resolution also calls for an investigation of human rights

abuses in connection with the conflict. Hopefully, this resolution

will help to bring home to both sides of the conflict that Congress

has lost patience with the intransigence that keeps this war going.

It is a war that neither side can afford. This legislation recognizes

the Organization for African Unity framework which both sides

claim to accept and provides an equitable basis to end the devastating conflict, and I would like to commend its author, Mr.

Campbell.

I have said civil war. I stand corrected in that. It is a war between people who were both once of one country, but this is one

of the most tragic conflicts we have seen today.

I want to thank Mr. Campbell, and I want to thank the other

Members of the Subcommittee and urge its passage.

Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Royce.

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Mr. Campbell?

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Chairman, I think the Ranking Member

might be more the appropriate to recognize first. I will take my

place in my seniority.

Chairman GILMAN. Sorry. Mr. Payne.

Mr. PAYNE. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr. Campbell.

Let me just say that, as we speak today, the Prime Minister of

Algeria is convening a meeting trying to bring both sides together.

I had the privilege to meet with the Honorable Dawit Johannes

this morning, the Speaker of the House of the People’s Republic of

Ethiopia. At that meeting I was urging, although Ethiopia has

now—Ethiopia originally agreed to the OAU framework which Eritrea initially did not agree to, now Eritrea is willing to accept the

framework of the OAU but Ethiopia is unwilling.

I think we do have to recall that it was Ethiopia that first agreed

7 or 8 months ago to the framework which said that they would

have to move back to there positions before May 6th in the Bodme

bottom—A area to have a withdrawal of beligerants out of the region, out of the area at that time. Eritrea did not agree. They now

agree, but I think Ethiopia has moved them out of the region and

feels that they should have agreed to it 9 months ago when we

agreed to it. But I think whoever agreed to it first and now that

both sides have said they would agree to it just at different times,

I think that they must put down these weapons of war and come

together to see a cease-fire. Neither one can afford it, as has been

mentioned.

Isaias Afwerki and Meles Zenawi are ‘‘relatives’’ I understand. It

makes no sense that 70,000 lives have been lost. We were looking

toward Ethiopia and Eritrea as the future of Africa with new,

young, intelligent, vibrant leaders very concerned about their people, and this conflict has certainly thrown a blanket over those

statements, and so we urge the support of this resolution.

Thank you.

Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Payne.

Mr. Campbell?

Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Chairman, the two previous speakers have

eloquently stated the case. I have nothing further to add except a

word of deep thanks first to my colleague from California, Mr.

Royce, who has been a masterful Chairman of the Africa Subcommittee. But for his willingness and leadership we would not

have this resolution before us.

Thanks to my good friend and colleague, Mr. Payne.

Chairman GILMAN. Thank you.

Mr. Rohrabacher.

Mr. ROHRABACHER. I will make this very quick as well, Mr.

Chairman.

I salute Congressman Royce. He has done a terrific job as Chairman of the Subcommittee.

Let me just enter one note for the record. Chairman Royce and

I have a constituent in Orange County who is an Eritrean who has

had property in Ethiopia confiscated. We are watching this very

closely, and this needs to go on the record. There have been human

rights abuses by the Ethiopian government. If they claim they are

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putting this aside, we expect them to treat people fairly, especially

when they have U.S. citizens in their family who live in my constituency.

Chairman GILMAN. I would just like to add that this is the same

thing that many of us have been saying to the embassies of both

countries for many months; the war must end.

I commend the gentleman for introducing the measure.

Are there any Members seeking recognition to offer amendments

on this?

If not, the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, is recognized

to offer a motion.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I move the Chairman be requested to seek consideration of the pending resolution on the suspension calendar.

Chairman GILMAN. The question is now on the motion from the

gentleman from Nebraska. All those in favor of the motion, say

aye. The opposed, no.

The ayes have it. The motion is agreed to. Further proceedings

on this measure are postponed.

I recognize the gentleman from Indiana, Mr. Burton.

Mr. BURTON. I will be brief. I know we have a vote pending on

the floor, Mr. Chairman.

I just wanted to say I was not here when we passed H. Con. Res.

188. I want to congratulate both Turkey and Greece on their humanitarian efforts with one another. Hopefully, our resolution will

help spur more cooperation along that line in the future.

Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Burton. We will include your

remarks at the appropriate place in the record.

We have one more resolution. We will now consider H. Con. Res.

20 relating to the northern part of Somalia. The Chair lays the resolution before the Committee. The Clerk will report the title of the

resolution.

Ms. BLOOMER. House Concurrent Resolution 20, Concerning economic, humanitarian and other assistance to the northern part of

Somalia.

Chairman GILMAN. This resolution was reported favorably without amendment by the Subcommittee on Africa. Without objection,

the preamble and operative language of the resolution will be read

in that order for amendment. The Clerk will read.

Ms. BLOOMER. Whereas the area in the northern part of Somalia,

referred to as Somaliland——

Chairman GILMAN. Without objection, the resolution is considered as having been read and is open to amendment at any point.

[The information referred to appears in the appendix.]

Chairman GILMAN. I now recognize the distinguished Chairman

of the Subcommittee on Africa, the gentleman from California, Mr.

Royce, to introduce the resolution.

Mr. ROYCE. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I want to thank Mr. Campbell because this resolution draws

much-needed attention to Somalia which, frankly, has ceased to

exist as a nation as a result of fighting between factions led by selfserving warlords.

This resolution recognizes that the northern part of Somalia has

achieved a significant level of economic and social stability, and

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this should be commended. The resolution, however, should not be

construed as calling for diplomatic recognition of Somaliland. In

fact, the resolution calls for all Somali parties to work with the

international community to achieve a permanent end to the civil

strife there and the adoption of a permanent government structure

most conducive to the well-being and basic human rights of all Somali people. I would like to commend Mr. Campbell for authoring

and Mr. Payne, the Ranking Member of the Africa Subcommittee,

for co-sponsoring this resolution.

Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Royce.

Mr. Payne?

Mr. PAYNE. I yield to Mr. Campbell this time, and then I will

take up the second part if we don’t have enough time.

Mr. CAMPBELL. Thanks very much.

Thank you, Mr. Payne, for your leadership in the area and for

working so carefully with me on this.

Again, my thanks to Chairman Royce for scheduling this, for allowing this to be considered and mostly to you, Chairman Gilman,

who scheduled this in such a time that it might be coincident with

the visit of President Egal of Somaliland.

I would simply add there is nothing in the resolution one way or

the other. It is neutral on the question of recognition. Its purpose

is to help people in need.

I yield back.

Chairman GILMAN. Thank you.

Mr. Payne?

Mr. PAYNE. Thank you very much.

I also appreciate the introduction of this resolution by the Chairman. Mr. Royce has done an outstanding job.

Mr. Campbell and I had the opportunity to travel to Somaliland.

We saw the difference of Somaliland from the trips that I have

taken to Mogadishu in Somalia. Schools are working. Hospitals are

working. They have a semblance of order.

As you know, Somaliland and Somalia were forced together, both

under different colonial leaders, colonial powers, and the whole system was different; and Somaliland has a leg up because they were

self-governing where Somalia was still governed by the colonial

people. I certainly support this. Regarding the this whole question

of whether recognition should happen, I would certainly be in favor

of having that discussion at some other time. But as my colleague

certainly drew out, this does not talk about recognition, it just

talks about support.

Chairman GILMAN. Thank you, Mr. Payne.

The story of the Islamic fundamentalist regime of Sudan toward

our Nation, a regrettably ongoing war between Ethiopia and Eritrea and the violent clashes between the warlords in southern Somalia all bear watching. Because of these problems it is in our National interest to identify those portions of the horn that have demonstrated a degree of stability and governance and encourage

northern Somalia and particularly the area once defined as the

British protector of Somaliland as one such area.

The resolution which Mr. Campbell and Mr. Payne introduced

after their visit to the region is a modest effort in that regard, and

I support the resolution.

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Are there any other Members seeking recognition or offering

amendments?

If not, the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Bereuter, is recognized

to offer a motion.

Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Chairman, I move the Chairman be requested to seek consideration of the pending resolution on the suspension calendar.

Chairman GILMAN. The question is on the motion by the gentleman from Nebraska. All those in favor of the motion, say aye.

Those opposed, say no.

The ayes have it. The motion is agreed to. Further proceedings

on this measure are postponed.

The Committee is now adjourned. Thank you.

[Whereupon, at 2:30 p.m., the Committee was adjourned.]

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A P P E N D I X

OCTOBER 19, 1999

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