Speaker. on the eve of the Mideast Peace Conference. I want to commend Secretary Baker and leaders of the region for their initiative in the name of peace. The dialog that crosses the conference table wil form either the basis for greater understanding and partnership. or for continued conflict. Matters of life and death will be confronted In discussions of complex problems Involving land claims. refugee resettlements. competition for resources and the right to a homeland. Water is critical to the future of the Middle East. Increased population and finite water supply. exacerbated by the current drought. could well be the precursor of future conflict In the region.