Rep.Gilman on Irish Rights Resolution Via NY Transfer News Collective * All the News that Doesn't Fit source: Paddy Newell The following is the full text of statementss issued by Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman, Chairman of the House International Relations Committee. You can show your support for the Human Rights Resolution by signing an online letter to Congress. All letters will be printed and delivered to Congressional Members prior to the House vote on this Resolution. The online letter is located at: http://www.gmu.edu/org/ireland32/ ____________________________________________________ Committee On International Relations 2170 Rayburn Building Washington, DC 20515 Statement of Chairman Benjamin A. Gilman on H.Con.Res 152, Northern Ireland Human Rights-Full Committee Mark-Up 31 October 1997 I am pleased to support the Human Rights resolution on Northern Ireland of the distinguished Chairman of our SubCommittee on Human Rights, Mr. Smith. I am a original co-sponsor of this important proposal, and I strongly urge its adoption. This Committee has held several extensive hearings on human rights and fair employment in the north of Ireland, during the 104th, and two in the current Congress. I compliment Chairman Smith on his leadership. The Resolution before us embodies many of the key findings and recommendations from those hearings, and from visits by Members and Staff to observe first hand underlying causes of the problems in Northern Ireland. The need for respect for human rights as an essential part for finding lasting solutions for the Northern Ireland issue, is self evident. Based on the long and disappointing history of Northern Ireland and the many previous failed attempts at political solutions, we can not neglect fundamental respect for human rights. The need for reform, especially in the treatment of the minority nationalist community, should not be overlooked. Helping to make human rights a centerpiece of the solutions to the long and divisive troubles in the north of Ireland, will have a important and salutatory impact on the current peace talks, now underway in Belfast. After many years of following very closely and visiting on numerous occasions the north of Ireland, I very strongly urge support for this human rights initiative before us. Former Irish President Mary Robinson, who is now UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said it best last week on her visit to Capitol Hill. She made the point that the adoption of Human Rights guarantees "...Is very a important part of a sustainable peace in Northern Ireland." Fr. Sean McManus of the Irish National Caucus in supporting this Resolution said "It is the violation of human rights that has been the fundamental cause of the Troubles in Northern Ireland." I urge adoption of the Resolution by all those concerned about securing lasting peace and justice in Northern Ireland, today. Thank you. Website for Congressman Gilman: http://www.house.gov/gilman/ Website for Congressman Smith: http://www.house.gov/smith/ ================================================================= NY Transfer News Collective * A Service of Blythe Systems Since 1985 - Information for the Rest of Us 339 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012 http://www.blythe.org e-mail: nyt@blythe.org ================================================================= nytire-11.02.97-02:00:44-8062