Speech #1020166032

CON. REs. 299 Whereas the Government of Iraq brutally suppressed a Kurdish uprising In February and March 1991. forcing hundreds of thousands of Kurds to flee across the border into Turkey. Whereas this sudden. massive refugee flow into Turkey resulted in shortfalls of shelter. food. medicine. and potable water that placed thousands of Kurdlish lives at risk. Whereas the best solution to this humanitarian crisis was to encourage the Kurds to return to their homes In northern Iraq by creating a security zone In northern Iraq in which the United States guaranteed that they would not be attacked by Iraqi aircraft or other forces. Whereas in response to the extraordinary humanitarian need of the Kurds. the United States took the lead in organizing Operation Provide Comfort. in which the United States and other forces undertook a major relief offort for the Kurds both within Turkey and in the designated security zone In northern Iraq. Whereas in June 1991 the United Nations Ilgh Commissioner for Refugees took over the prime responsibility for all relief operations in northern Iraq. Whereas the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees still maintains a large presence in northern Iraq. Including over a thousand civilians Involved in relief activities as well as hundreds of United Nations guards. Whereas the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is currently negotiating with the United Nations Childrens Fund and other United Nations organizations to take over the functions being performed in northern Iraq by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Whereas the memorandum of understanding between Iraq and the United Nations which authorizes the United Nations prosence expires in June 1992. Whereas the severe shortages of food within the security zone as a result of the Iraqi blockade of northern Iraq make a continued international relief effort essential in order to prevent famine among the Kurdish population. Whereas the courageous decision of the Government of Turkey to permit the stationing of United States military forces In southern Turkey. despite the possibility of Iraqi retaliation against Turkey. was essential to the success of Operation Provide Comfort. Whereas Operation Provide Comfort is still necessary in order to deter Iraqi attacks against the Kurdish population in the security zone in northern Iraq. Whereas the agreement between the United States and Turkey that permits the stationing of United States military forces in southern Turkey expires in June 1992. and Whereas if this agreement is not extended and if Operation Provide Comfort Is terminated. it Is extremely likely that Iraqi forces will attack the security zone. resulting in substantial loss of lives and possibly generating another massive wave of Kurdish refugees Into Turf. : Now. therefore. be it Resolved by �he House of lepresentatives (the Senute concurring). That it Is the sense of the Congress that(1) the United States should seek Turkish permission to extend beyond Juno 1992 the agreement that permits the stationing of United States military forces in southern Turkey for purposes of Operation Provide Comfort. (2) the Government of Turkey. whose continued commitment to Operation Provide Comfort Is essential if the operation Is to be continued. should respond positively to a United States request to extend that agreemont. (3) the United Nations presence in northern Iraq should be extended. (4) the United States and the International community should attach high priority to persuading the Government of Iraq to lift the economic boycott of northern Iraq. and (6) in working to ameliorate the conditions of the Iraqi Kurds. the United States should continue to support the sovereignty ani territorial integrity of all states. and the Internationally recognized human rights of all peoples. in the region.