Date: 1981-10-06
Speaker: ROBERT C. BYRD (democrat)
Chamber: S

Mr. President. the world is stunned and saddened by the tragic assassination of Egyptian President Anwar EISadat In Cairo. This event is a tragedy of enormous proportions. for the entire world. If there has been one bright spot In the violenceplagued Middle East In recent years. It has been the peace Initiative launched by President Sadat 4 years ago. As the first Arab leader to recognize the right of Israel to exist. he has toiled these 4 years on behalf of finding a comprehensive solution to the ArabIsraeli dispute which has produced so much human suffering for more than three decades. Riskihg virtual isolation within the Arab world. and Personal risk to himself. President Sadat traded the barrel of the gun for the olive branch. While much remains to be done in furthering this peace Process. President Sadat accomplished much since his historic visit to Israel on November 19. 1977. It was a courageous and statesmanlike act on the part of this extraordinary leader who remained extremely Popular with the American people for his leadership and wisdom. On September 17. 1978. the "Framework for Peace In the Middle East Agreed at Camp David" was signed by President Sadat. Prime Minister Begin. and President Jimmy Carter. On March 26. 1979. Egypt and Israel formally signed a treaty of peace. Yet. it was that one acttraveling to Israel in November 1977which did so much to dtispel the mistrust and mutual fears that had characterized modernday Israels relationship with her Arab neighbord. We owe President Sadat a deep debt of gratitude for seeking a peaceful solution to the ArabIsraeli conflict. How tragic that such a price should be paid for being a Peaicemaker. How tragic for the people of Egypt. from whom President Sadat had lifted the burden of selseless sacrifice in war. How tragic for the peoples of the strifetorn Middle East that the gun has once again replaced the olive branch. Mr. President. our prayers go out to the f amily of this remarkable leader. our hearts are heavy with sorrow. our prayers and unequivocal support go out to Vice President Hosni Mubarak. the man President Sadat had selected as his successor. If there Is one legacy President Sadat left us. it is the legacy of peace. I am oft reminded of his remarks in ceremonies at the White House celebrating the historic signing of the EgyptIsraeli Peace Treaty. President Sadat said: Let there be no more wars or bloodshed between Arabs and Israelis. Let there be no more suffering or denial ot rights. Let there be no more despair or loss of faith. Let no mother lament the loss of her child. Let no young man waste his life on a conflict from which no one benefits. Le t us work together until the day comes when they beat their swords Into plowshares and their spearp Into pruning hooks. And God does call to the abode of peace. he does guide whom he pleases to his way. This is an eloquent testimony to President Sadats vision and commitment to humanity. This Is the legacy he has left us. Therefore. let us heed his words and renew our efforts at peacemaking. In conclusion. Mr. President. I am deeply saddened by the events of today. America not only lost a good and close friend. The world has lost a rare and outstanding leader. Whoever Is responsible for this deed has destroyed a man. but they have not destroyed the spirit. President Sadiat will go down In history as a giant among mena leader who dared to take risks for peace and an example to all in the world who cherish the olive branch over the gun.