15046 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 11 July 15, 2008 drilling for additional supplies of en- which advocated the use of boycotts, strikes, dent Ronald Reagan making it the first time ergy. And I would just ask all of my civil disobedience, and noncooperation in the 20th century that a President had a friends on the other side of the aisle to against the National Party’s apartheid poli- foreign policy veto overridden by Congress; join us on this side of the aisle in pass- cies; Whereas Nelson Mandela was released from Whereas, in 1952, after being designated prison on February 11, 1990, after the apart- ing use-it-or-lose-it legislation. It is es- volunteer-in-chief of the Defiance Campaign heid Government of South Africa agreed to timated by the Minerals and Manage- Against Unjust Laws, Nelson Mandela trav- his terms for release; ment Service of the Department of the eled the country, organizing resistance to Whereas, after his release, he plunged him- Interior that 81 percent of the known discriminatory legislation; self wholeheartedly into his life’s work, reserves of oil and natural gas are al- Whereas in recognition of his outstanding striving to attain the goals he and others ready available for lease and the vast contribution during the Defiance Campaign, had set out almost 4 decades earlier; majority of those leases are not being Nelson Mandela was elected to the presi- Whereas, in 1991, at the first national con- dency of both the ANCYL and the Transvaal acted upon. So we are going to try to ference of the ANC held inside South Africa region of the ANC at the end of 1952, earning after the organization had been banned in pass, on this side of the aisle, use-it-or- him a position as deputy president of the 1960, Nelson Mandela was elected President lose-it legislation, and I would ask my ANC itself; of the ANC; friends on the other side of the aisle to Whereas, after the banning of the ANC in Whereas Nelson Mandela was elected Presi- join us in that effort. 1960 and the continued violent response to dent of South Africa in that country’s first With that, Mr. Speaker, I continue to the ANC’s nonviolent methods, Nelson democratic elections with full enfranchise- reserve the balance of my time. Mandela led the effort to set up Umkhonto ment was granted were held on April 27, 1994, we Sizwe (‘‘Spear of the Nation’’), the armed and was inaugurated on May 10, 1994, as the Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield resistance organization of the ANC; myself such time as I may consume. country’s first indigenous African President; Whereas, in 1964, Nelson Mandela and 9 of Whereas, as President from May 1994 until In returning to the resolution at his fellow leaders of the ANC and Umkhonto June 1999, Nelson Mandela presided over the hand, congratulating the East High we Sizwe were arrested, charged with trea- transition from minority rule and apartheid School in Denver, Colorado, I would son, and brought to trial for plotting the vio- to a participatory democracy, winning inter- just like to ask that all of us be sup- lent overthrow the Government of South Af- national respect for his advocacy of national portive of this, not just to recognize rica; reconciliation and international peace; and Whereas in his statement at the opening of that school but to recognize that pro- Whereas Nelson Mandela has received nu- the defense case in the historic Rivonia merous prestigious honors, including the gram and what we the people have done Treason Trial on April 20, 1964, in which he to educate people about the Constitu- Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, which was shared and 9 other ANC leaders were tried for 221 with Frederik Willem de Klerk, the Order of tion and the Bill of Rights and make acts of sabotage designed to ‘‘ferment vio- Merit and the Order of St. John from Great all of us better citizens. lent revolution’’ to overthrow the apartheid Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, and the Presi- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance system, Nelson Mandela use his oratory dential Medal of Freedom from George W. skills as a legal advocate to lay out the rea- of my time. Bush: Now, therefore, be it soning for the ANC’s choice to use acts of Resolved, That the United States House of Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speak- sabotage as a tactic to defeat apartheid, as Representatives— er, I yield back the balance of my time. doing otherwise would have been tanta- (1) honors former President Nelson The SPEAKER pro tempore. The mount to unconditional surrender; Rolihlahla Mandela on the occasion of his question is on the motion offered by Whereas he closed his statement with 90th birthday on July 18, 2008, and extends these words: ‘‘During my lifetime I have the gentleman from New York (Mr. best wishes to him and his family; dedicated myself to the struggle of the Afri- BISHOP) that the House suspend the (2) honors his many accomplishments on can people. I have fought against White rules and agree to the resolution, H. behalf of all South Africans; domination, and I have fought against Black (3) congratulates him for his efforts to pro- Res. 1261, as amended. domination. I have cherished the ideal of a mote dialogue to peacefully resolve conflicts The question was taken; and (two- democratic and free society in which all per- thirds being in the affirmative) the sons live together in harmony and with between people in Africa and around the rules were suspended and the resolu- equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I world; and tion, as amended, was agreed to. hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs (4) celebrates his contributions to South be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to Africa, the United States, and the inter- A motion to reconsider was laid on national community. the table. die.’’; Whereas on June 12, 1964, 8 of the accused, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- f including Nelson Mandela, were sentenced to ant to the rule, the gentleman from HONORING NELSON MANDELA ON life imprisonment; New Jersey (Mr. PAYNE) and the gen- Whereas, from 1964 to 1982, Nelson Mandela HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY tleman from California (Mr. ROYCE) was incarcerated at Robben Island Prison, each will control 20 minutes. Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I move to off the coast of Cape Town, and thereafter at The Chair recognizes the gentleman suspend the rules and agree to the reso- Pollsmoor Prison, nearby on the mainland; from New Jersey. lution (H. Res. 1090) honoring the es- Whereas Nelson Mandela consistently re- teemed former President Nelson fused to compromise his political demands GENERAL LEAVE for freedom and equality for all South Afri- Rolihlahla Mandela on the occasion of Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask cans to obtain his freedom while in prison; unanimous consent that all Members his 90th birthday, as amended. Whereas Nelson Mandela became widely The Clerk read the title of the resolu- accepted around the world as one of the most have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- tion. significant leaders of the 20th century and tend their remarks and include extra- The text of the resolution is as fol- became a potent symbol of resistance as the neous material on the resolution under lows: anti-apartheid movement gathered strength; consideration. Whereas the Congressional Black Caucus The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there H. RES. 1090 and other Members of Congress actively en- objection to the request of the gen- Whereas Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was gaged in efforts to bring about an end to tleman from New Jersey? born to the Thembo Dynasty in Mvezo in the South Africa’s apartheid system and played Umtata District of Transkei, South Africa, a key role in raising public awareness in the There was no objection. on July 18, 1918; United States about South Africa’s racist re- Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Whereas he joined the African National gime; strong support of this resolution, and I Congress (ANC) in 1942 and in 1944 joined Whereas, after nearly 14 years of opposi- yield myself such time as I may con- with other young dissidents to form the Afri- tion, the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act sume. can National Congress Youth League of 1986 was finally agreed to by both Houses Let me first thank our chairman, Mr. (ANCYL), which embraced African nation- of Congress, calling for sanctions against BERMAN, for moving this resolution alism and began building a mass movement; South Africa and establishing conditions for swiftly to the floor in light of the time Whereas after the National Party came to the lifting of such sanctions, including the power in an all-white election in 1948 on a release of all political prisoners including sensitivity of this resolution. Let me platform of apartheid, a system of strict ra- Nelson Mandela; also recognize Mr. JEFFERSON for intro- cial segregation, the ANC adopted the Pro- Whereas the Comprehensive Anti-Apart- ducing this resolution and for inviting gramme of Action, inspired by the ANCYL, heid Act of 1986 withstood a veto by Presi- me to join him in that endeavor.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 14:07 May 03, 2011 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H15JY8.000 H15JY8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD July 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 11 15047 Mr. Speaker, this Friday a living traditional ANC role from an elite or- Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my col- icon of freedom will turn 90 years old. ganization to a mass-based, African na- leagues in the House to support the His birthday already has been cele- tionalist movement. After the 1948 measure recognizing Nelson Mandela’s brated at more than 20 different char- election of the Afrikaner National unique contributions to humankind. ity events around the world. Now it’s Party, racial segregation laws that had I reserve the balance of my time. time for the United States Congress to been adopted incoherently were codi- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- rise in its voice of praise of Mr. Nelson fied into a comprehensive segregation self such time as I may consume. Mandela in recognition of his remark- policy called ‘‘apartheid,’’ creating The world recently celebrated Nelson able life and the contributions that he major challenges for Mandela, the Afri- Mandela’s 90th birthday in London, and has made to humankind. can National Congress, and its allies. so much has been said about him. But His struggle on behalf of black South Apartheid institutionalized racism in a world of division, a world of many Africans confronted with the horrific through physical and social segrega- deadly divisions, it’s appropriate that system of racial hatred is legendary. It tion of all ethnic groups. It codified Congress is once again making note of landed him in prison under harsh con- race classifications, prohibited inter- Mandela’s legacy of unity. And I think ditions for 27 years. Mr. Mandela will racial marriage, and reserved certain Mr. PAYNE and the other authors of be remembered for many things, but jobs for whites. While black Africans this resolution should be commended. perhaps the words he spoke at his trial comprised 75 percent of the population, I should note also that I think Chair- sums up his effort best. He said: under apartheid they were allowed to man BERMAN’s legislation recently ‘‘During my lifetime, I have dedi- live on only 13 percent of the worst signed into law that took Mandela and cated myself to this struggle of the Af- land in the country. All public facili- other African National Congress mem- rican people. I have fought against ties were segregated by race. Black Af- bers off the terrorism list is a move white domination, and I have fought ricans were forced to carry identifica- that was long, long overdue. against black domination. I have cher- tion cards and forbidden to be in towns Nelson Mandela served 27 years in ished the ideals of a democratic and preserved for whites, unless they had prison for opposing apartheid. At his free society in which all people live to- explicit permission to go there. trial, he stood in the face of the pos- gether in harmony with equal opportu- In 1964 when many fellow leaders of sible sentence of death. After being nities. It is an ideal which I hope to the ANC and its armed wing were ar- freed from captivity, which were very live for and to achieve. But if needs be, rested, Mandela was brought to trial hard years on Robben Island, he easily it is an ideal which I am prepared to with other comrades who were plotting could have let bitterness consume him. die for.’’ to overthrow the government by vio- He could have sought revenge. Some Mr. Speaker, death did not claim Nel- lent means. He and his seven comrades predicted that South Africa would spi- son Mandela that day or in the decades were imprisoned for life for their lead- ral into chaos suffering racial and trib- of dismal imprisonment to follow. In- ership in opposing apartheid. al violence. So many other countries stead, he grew to become a figure al- In 1989, on the strength of South Afri- have. Many predicted a ruined econ- most larger than life, an international ca’s own definition of the African Na- omy. But fortunately for South Afri- symbol of an oppressed people’s thirst tional Congress, the United States cans, it was Nelson Mandela who took for justice. He joined the pantheon of Government listed the ANC as one of the helm. inspirational figures whose legacy be- fifty-two organizations around the Mandela is a unifier. He is an excep- longs to all humankind: Mahatma Gan- world as ‘‘the more notorious terrorist tional unifier. Consider that he invited dhi, Mother Theresa, Dr. Martin Lu- groups.’’ a former white jailer of his to attend ther King, Jr. And as a measure of I am pleased to say that 2 weeks ago, his presidential inauguration as a what he meant to us, Nelson Mandela’s President Bush signed into law a bill guest. He invited the man who pros- liberation and subsequent rise to be- introduced by Chairman BERMAN of our ecuted him to a presidential lunch. He come President of a free and demo- committee that several of our House made it a point to learn the language cratic South Africa were greeted with colleagues joined in cosponsoring to of the Afrikaners, the architects of joy and near disbelief around the world erase this injustice. Particularly, Rep- apartheid, and to embrace their be- when it occurred. resentative BARBARA LEE was instru- loved rugby, making it an obsession for Mr. Speaker, Nelson Mandela was mental in ensuring the bill’s passage in the whole South African nation and born in a small village in the Eastern the Senate. Now Nelson Mandela and signaling to all people that they had a Cape of South Africa. His family be- others who supported the effort of the place in the country. longed to the Thembo Dynasty, a ANC will no longer face additional se- With these and countless other acts Xhosa noble bloodline in South Africa. curity measures based solely on their of reconciliation, Nelson Mandela navi- He was well educated, earned a law de- association with the ANC while trav- gated a very treacherous transition for gree, set up a law practice with his eling to this country. Long overdue. South Africa into majority rule. Nel- long-time friend who spent 27 years In 1993 Nelson Mandela received the son Mandela left power after serving with him on Robben Island, Walter Nobel Peace Prize, which he shared only one term as his country’s first Sisulu. with former South African President president elected by universal suffrage. As a young man, Nelson Mandela F.W. de Klerk. He was lionized. He could have served joined the African National Congress, longer, but he stepped down. What a which was established in 1912 to fight b 1315 contrast, what a contrast to the petty for justice and equality for Africans He also has received the Order of tyrant to the north, Robert Mugabe of against discrimination and unjust laws Merit and the order of St. John from Zimbabwe who was a fellow liberation prescribed by the minority European Queen Elizabeth II and the Presidential leader who instead of championing de- settlers. For decades leaders of the Medal of Freedom from George W. mocracy as Nelson Mandela did, in- ANC challenged the segregation system Bush. stead desperately clung to power bring- imposed on them and demanded, Today President Mandela is revered ing his country to ruin. Mandela through petition to the courts and to around the world and continues to rep- walked away. And he hasn’t meddled the British Royalty and government, resent the values of freedom, justice with his successor’s presidency. And the freedoms and opportunities af- and liberation for all people. He has be- Nelson Mandela has spoken out about forded the whites who dominated come the champion in the fight against human rights around the world, includ- South Africa at that time. HIV and AIDS through his foundation. ing the tyranny of Zimbabwe. In 1944 Nelson Mandela, along with He continues to work on behalf of ev- I don’t agree with every position that other young educated Africans, formed eryday men, women and children so Nelson Mandela the politician took. He the African National Congress Youth that they can enjoy lives of freedom opposed America on some important League, in large measure to shift the from injustice, sickness and want. issues. South Africa, in general, is too

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And under the leadership of have reached such a pinnacle of lon- pact worldwide. our own Congresswoman MAXINE WA- gevity would not have been foreseen, South Africa isn’t without many dif- TERS, I was very proud of the fact that when one recalls the statement he ficult challenges. The rule of law is she introduced sanctions in our State made during his trial in 1964 in South coming under challenge because of of California and made our State the Africa, the context in which it was rampant crime. Unemployment is high. first State to divest. And they both made, and the ominous tone it struck. Economic expectations are unrealistic. very recently were awarded with one of At the end of it he says, it’s talking The U.S. has an interest in working South Africa’s highest honors. about the idea of equality for everyone with South Africa as we are to see that Not all freedom fighters live to see in a nonracial society, he says ‘‘it is an this young democracy meets these their struggle bring about the changes ideal which I hope to live for and challenges. The future will tell. But they imagined. Nelson Mandela did. He achieve. But, if need be, it is an ideal what is certain is that South Africa emerged from the infamous Robben Is- for which I am prepared to die.’’ would be in a far, far tougher spot were land Prison to unite and to lead a na- Through the grace of God, however, it not for the career of Nelson Mandela. tion transformed from racial tyranny he is still alive today. And because of I reserve the balance of my time. to a thriving multiracial democracy. that, South Africa and the world have Mr. PAYNE. I yield to the gentlelady South Africa now guarantees equal become better places. As a great lead- from California, a member of the For- rights for all. er, activist and humanitarian, Presi- eign Affairs Committee, Ms. LEE, for 3 President Mandela retired from polit- dent Nelson Mandela brought social minutes. ical life in 1999. But he continues to and political change to South Africa, Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, let me thank lend his voice and moral authority to and he continues to serve Africans and the gentleman for yielding. But I also causes that affect the world. the disenfranchised around the world. thank you for your leadership on this The SPEAKER pro tempore. The He was born in Transkei, South Afri- issue and so many issues relating to time of the gentlewoman from Cali- ca, on July 18, 1918. Through his polit- Africa, making sure that the continent fornia has expired. ical life from 1944 to 1999, he showed of Africa is central in our foreign pol- Mr. PAYNE. I yield 1 additional courage and determination and became minute to the gentlelady. icy. Oftentimes you are the lone voice the symbol of resistance and freedom. Ms. LEE. As I was saying, President in the wilderness. But I think you have But more importantly, perhaps, he Mandela continues to lend his voice championed forgiveness and redemp- seen the day now where there are so and his moral authority to causes that tion to the point where today he has many of us on both sides of the aisle affect the world such as the global become one of our planet’s foremost who are doing the right thing as it re- AIDS pandemic, poverty and human moral authorities, persuading seats of lates to the continent. Thank you, Mr. rights. Nelson Mandela is a genuine PAYNE. hero to the world. So I was shocked power everywhere to simply do the Let me say how happy I am today last year, quite frankly, to learn when right thing by even the simplest peo- that this resolution commemorating we were in South Africa with Congress- ple. the 90th birthday of Mr. Mandela, one After gaining his freedom after 27 woman DONNA CHRISTENSEN that Presi- years of imprisonment, his life sac- of the greatest and most beloved dent Mandela and the ANC were barred rifices were crowned on May 10, 1994, statesmen of the 21st century, is before from entering the United States unless when he was inaugurated as South Af- us. And I have to thank our chair, Mr. they received a specific visa waiver rica’s first black president. I was privi- BERMAN, and of course Congressman certifying that they were not terror- JEFFERSON who brought this resolution ists. So I’m pleased that we were able leged to be in South Africa on that forward, to our ranking member on an- to finally rectify this indignity earlier date to witness this supremely inspira- other subcommittee, Mr. ROYCE, and to this month when we passed, and the tional event, as did thousands of people from around the world everywhere. I all who have really worked together to President signed, as Mr. PAYNE ac- make sure that we send a loud signal knowledged, legislation to remove him have been blessed to be in the company and raise our voices in celebration of a and the ANC from the U.S. Terrorist of Mr. Mandela on a number of other person whose life has triumphed. And Watch list. So I have to commend our occasions, including as a member of we’ve lived to see the day that good chairman, Mr. BERMAN, Mr. ROYCE, President Clinton’s delegation to has triumphed over evil and the indom- Chairman THOMPSON, Chairman CON- South Africa in 1998 and on President itable nature of the human spirit pre- YERS, and again, Mr. PAYNE for their Clinton’s peacekeeping mission in 2000 vails in the spirit and in the life of Mr. efforts to make sure that this occurred when Mr. Mandela was seeking peace Mandela. before Mr. Mandela’s 90th birthday. for African nations in conflict. And in For 27 years, Nelson Mandela’s strug- Just as that legislation was a fitting June 2005, as chair of the Congressional gle personified the fight against apart- tribute to his legacy, this too is an op- Black Caucus Foundation, I was hon- heid. With a very dignified defiance, he portunity for us to express our appre- ored to present Mr. Mandela with the never compromised his political prin- ciation to President Mandela for his foundation’s Phoenix Award rep- ciples or the mission of the anti-apart- unfailing belief in the power of people resenting the decision of the Congres- heid movement. In the 1970s and in the to change. sional Black Caucus to honor him as 1980s, I proudly served as a foot soldier Mr. ROYCE. I reserve my time. the most significant African- in that movement. Through dem- Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 ancestored person of the 20th century. onstrations, boycotts, divestment cam- minutes to the gentleman from Lou- President Mandela’s work to transition paigns and being arrested, we all ex- isiana, the sponsor of the resolution, from South Africa’s apartheid rule has pressed our outrage at the cruelty of Mr. JEFFERSON. been widely recognized and respected. apartheid, even while continuing to Mr. JEFFERSON. Mr. Speaker, I He has received numerous South Afri- fight injustices at home in the United thank the gentleman for yielding, and can and International awards, includ- States. I thank Mr. PAYNE and Chairman BER- ing the Nobel Peace Prize he shared It was really a very proud day for MAN for moving this resolution to the with Frederik Willem de Klerk, the myself and all of us when the Congress floor. And I urge my colleagues and Order of Merit and the Order of St. passed legislation in 1986 sponsored by others who have joined us in support of John from Queen Elizabeth II, and the my predecessor, a great statesman, a H. Res. 1090 to honor President Nelson Presidential Medal of Freedom from former Congressman, now Mayor Ron Mandela’s 90th birthday. President George W. Bush.

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And when she refused, he vis- the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. great connection between us and him. ited her in her house to demonstrate PAYNE) that the House suspend the President Mandela’s dream, as was the depths to which he believed in that rules and agree to the resolution, H. the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr., process of reconciliation. Res. 1090, as amended. for human equality is still alive in our He truly was an inspirational and The question was taken. hearts and souls today and will never marvelous individual, and I obviously The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the die. I hope that the Members of the urge all of my colleagues to support opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being House and our Nation will join us in Mr. JEFFERSON’s resolution. in the affirmative, the ayes have it. unanimously wishing the happiest of Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, on that I birthdays and to do so while marking of my colleagues to support Mr. JEF- demand the yeas and nays. his accomplishments and altruism on FERSON’s resolution, and I yield back The yeas and nays were ordered. this special day. Let us celebrate his the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- life and work with the international Mr. PAYNE. In keeping with what ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the community and the people of our coun- the chairman said, in addition to what Chair’s prior announcement, further try and extend our best wishes to him Mr. Mandela did with the person who proceedings on this motion will be and to his family. really codified apartheid, he invited his postponed. Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I continue jailer, the one who locked and un- f to reserve my time. locked his cell door, to attend his inau- CONDEMNING 1994 ATTACK ON Mr. PAYNE. Let me once again guration as president because he felt ARGENTINE JEWISH CENTER that the prison guard treated him with thank Chairman BERMAN for moving Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move a modicum of respect and he invited this legislation and all of those who co- to suspend the rules and agree to the him to also attend the inauguration. sponsored it. I thank Mr. ROYCE for his concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 385) This was certainly a unique person. continued interest in the continent of condemning the attack on the AMIA With that, I urge my colleagues to Africa and justice in general. Jewish Community Center in Buenos And with that, I yield as much time support the resolution. Aires, Argentina, in July 1994, and for as he may consume to the chairman of Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in other purposes. support of H. Res. 1090 honoring Nelson the committee. The Clerk read the title of the con- Rolihlahla Mandela as he celebrates 90 years Mr. BERMAN. I thank the gentleman current resolution. for yielding. And, Mr. Speaker, I rise in of life. The text of the concurrent resolution strong support of this resolution. Mr. Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in is as follows: Chairman PAYNE, Congressman JEF- Transkei, South Africa, where he was given H. CON. RES. 385 FERSON, Congresswoman LEE and Con- the name Rolihlahla, meaning ‘‘troublemaker,’’ which would later seem so fitting. Throughout Whereas, on July 18, 1994, 85 people were gressman ROYCE have all pointed out killed and 300 were wounded when the Argen- various aspects of this marvelous indi- his early adulthood, he developed his own tine Jewish Mutual Association (AMIA) was vidual’s career. There are very few peo- ideas about the oppression he had experi- bombed in Buenos Aires, Argentina; ple one sees in a lifetime who can in- enced which led him to join the African Na- Whereas extensive evidence links the plan- spire by their strength, their commit- tional Congress. His work with the ANC led ning of the attacks to the Government of ment, their dedication and their perse- him to be tried for treason. He was acquitted Iran, and the execution of the attacks to verance to a noble and idealistic cause of the charges, but his strong opposition to Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon, sup- the way that Nelson Mandela has in- South African apartheid continued. ported by Syria, sponsored by Iran, and des- ignated by the Department of State as a For- spired so many of us. And so I’m happy His fight against racial segregation came to a sudden halt when he was convicted and eign Terrorist Organization; to join with my colleagues in speaking Whereas, on October 25, 2006, the State on behalf of this resolution and urging sentenced to life imprisonment for allegedly Prosecutor of Argentina, an office created by its support. plotting to overthrow the South African govern- the Government of Argentina, concluded In some ways, the most fascinating ment. that the AMIA bombing was ‘‘decided and or- thing about Nelson Mandela’s career is However, 27 years in prison could not di- ganized by the highest leaders of the former that after that incredible struggle minish the spirit of a great leader. Once re- government of . . . Iran, whom, at the same against the evil of apartheid and the leased from prison, Mr. Mandela wasted no time, entrusted its execution to the Leba- nese terrorist group Hezbollah’’; tyranny and the indignities that were time in becoming involved with the ANC once again. It was no surprise that this revolutionary Whereas, on October 25, 2006, the State suffered by the vast majority of the Prosecutor of Argentina concluded that the population of South Africa under the man would become the next President of the AMIA bombing had been approved in advance very regimented and institutionalized ANC in 1990, continuing to devote himself to by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamene’i, system of apartheid that they were a multi-racial democracy for his country. Iran’s then-leader Ali Akbar Hashemi forced to live under, that when victory Mr. Speaker, Mr. Mandela embodies the Rafsanjani, Iran’s then-Foreign Minister Ali came, and the apartheid regime ended dignity, strength, and leadership that all of us Akbar Velayati, and Iran’s then-Minister of and he took over the leadership of should strive for. Our country was founded on Security and Intelligence Ali Fallahijan; Whereas, on October 25, 2006, the State South Africa, that he dedicated himself the values of freedom and liberty for all, per- sonified undoubtedly by Mr. Mandela. He Prosecutor of Argentina stated that the Gov- to the concept not of vengeance ernment of Iran uses ‘‘terrorism as a mecha- against those who had perpetrated the grasped these ideals and fought to make them nism of its foreign policy’’ in support of ‘‘its evil, but to bringing forth the truth a reality for South Africa through commitment final aim [which] is to export its radicalized and then the reconciliation with his unsurpassed by others. The dedication Mr. vision of Islam and to eliminate the enemies fellow countrymen and -women. Mandela displayed, despite the many chal- of the regime’’; lenges he encountered, is deserving of our Whereas, on October 25, 2006, the State b 1330 highest respect. Prosecutor of Argentina identified Ibrahim And even to the point where I read Mr. Mandela has undisputedly contributed to Hussein Berro, a Lebanese citizen and mem- that the original president, when the tremendous change with his efforts to peace- ber of Hezbollah, as the suicide bomber who legislation that institutionalized primarily carried out the attack on the fully resolve conflicts throughout the world. It AMIA; apartheid was adopted in South Africa, is with great pleasure that I commend Mr. Whereas, on November 9, 2006, Argentine that he invited this man who didn’t Mandela for his lifetime commitment to pro- Judge Rodolfo Canicoba Corral, pursuant to start the apartheid and the segrega- moting the vision of freedom and equality for the request of the State Prosecutor of Argen- tion, but he did more than anyone else the people of South Africa. tina, issued an arrest warrant for Ali Akbar

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