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Elizabeth Dole on Foreign Policy
Republican Sr Senator
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End aid to Colombia until they wipe out narco-guerillas
Dole called the rebels who control a swatch of Columbia “narco-terrorists” and “narco-guerillas.” She said she would cut off all military aid to Colombia until the government there forced the rebels to evacuate the area. “We will fight along the border,”
Dole said. “We will fight on the streets; we will fight in our neighborhoods; and we will fight in our schools.” Though Congress has called on the Colombian government to reclaim the rebel-held area, it is hardly clear the Colombian army could do so.
Source: (Cross-ref Drugs) New York Times, p. A25
Oct 8, 1999
Russia: Work with policies, not personalities
Dole criticized aid to Russia, saying the money had “disappeared into offshore accounts and the wallets of Russian officials,” while “the Russian people suffer.” Her Administration, she said, would work with “policies, not personalities,” an implicit
slap at the Clinton Administration for propping up the increasingly discredited President of Russia, Boris N. Yeltsin.
Source: New York Times, Diana Jean Schemo, p. A21
Sep 28, 1999
N. Korea & other rogue regimes are not our equals
“Throughout the world, the US will treat authoritarian and totalitarian states, such as North Korea, as rogue regimes, not as our equals,” Mrs. Dole said. “We will encourage and strengthen democratic oppositions within these countries wherever possible.”
Source: New York Times, Diana Jean Schemo, p. A21
Sep 28, 1999
Russian Mob is consuming US tax dollars
Dole voiced her strong disapproval for the failed Russia policies of the Administration. “Russian organized crime is threatening the social fabric of Russia. Its tentacles are spreading worldwide into money laundering, drugs, prostitution & stolen cars.
The Dole Administration will take this issue on directly with President Yeltsin and his successors to promote a politically & economically stable Russia that adopts free market principles and embraces democratic values & practices,” said Dole.
Source: Press Release on Russian Mob
Aug 27, 1999
Push China for reform; stand by Taiwan
China’s human rights situation is sharply deteriorating. It’s time to press Beijing much harder for reform. We need to support, publicly, freedom of conscience and speech in China. We need to insist on free and fair access to markets and respect for
intellectual property rights. And we need to stand by our friends in Taiwan. And while we reach out to China as a partner for peace, we need to shut those doors to our military secrets.
Source: (Cross-ref from Foreign Policy) Speech at United States Nava
Jun 14, 1999
“Get a grip” on Cox Report & take action
[Regarding the Cox Report,] Elizabeth Dole declared, “Previous administrations must share in the blame, but this administration knew more and still chose not to take action.
The Clinton-Gore administration needs to get a grip on the gravity of this crisis.”
Source: Associated Press, “Republicans on China”, by K. Srinivasan
May 26, 1999
US has responsibility to lead post-Cold War world
During four decades of Cold War, the US led a powerful democratic alliance to keep freedom safe in Europe and elsewhere. Ten years later, we are facing the challenges of the post-Cold War period. In the new democracies, marketplace structures remain
fragile. A changing Europe, contraction in Asia, problems in developing economies - all pose hurdles. If we are to shape a world that is open to our values and ideals and well-being, we must accept our continued responsibility to lead.
Source: Remarks to the Detroit Economic Club, 29 April 1999
Apr 29, 1999
Push China for reform; stand by Taiwan
China’s human rights situation is sharply deteriorating. It’s time to press Beijing much harder for reform. We need to support, publicly, freedom of conscience and speech in China. We need to insist on free and fair access to markets and respect for
intellectual property rights. And we need to stand by our friends in Taiwan. And while we reach out to China as a partner for peace, we need to shut those doors to our military secrets.
Source: Speech at United States Naval Academy, April 14, 1999
Apr 14, 1999
US responsibility: clear, credible & capable leadership
We protect our freedom best when America leads-and when that leadership is clear, credible and capable. Clear leadership requires a steady sense of purpose. Our free society and global economy require an environment that respects liberty and individual
rights. We are the world’s only superpower. More important, we are the world’s only superpower democracy. If we are to shape a world that is open to our values and ideals and well-being, we must accept our responsibility to lead.
Source: Speech at United States Naval Academy, April 14, 1999
Apr 14, 1999
Voted YES on cooperating with India as a nuclear power.
Congressional Summary:US-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement Act:- Approves the US-India Agreement for Cooperation on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.
- Declares that it is US policy to prevent the transfer to India of nuclear equipment, materials, or technology from other participating governments in the Nuclear Suppliers Group or from any other source; and
- any nuclear power reactor fuel reserve provided to India for use in safeguarded civilian nuclear facilities should be commensurate with reasonable reactor operating requirements.
Proponent's argument to vote Yes:Rep. HOWARD BERMAN (D, CA-28): Integrating India into a global nonproliferation regime is a positive step. Before anyone gets too sanctimonious about India's nuclear weapons program, we should acknowledge that the five recognized nuclear weapons states have not done nearly enough to fulfill their commitments under the Nuclear
Nonproliferation Treaty, including making serious reductions in their own arsenals, nor in the case of the US in ratifying the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.
Opponent's argument to vote No:Rep. BARBARA LEE (D, CA-9): In withholding my approval, I seek not to penalize the people of India but, rather, to affirm the principle of nuclear nonproliferation. Jettisoning adherence to the international nuclear nonproliferation framework that has served the world so well for more than 30 years, as approval of the agreement before us would do, is just simply unwise. It is also reckless.
Approval of this agreement undermines our efforts to dissuade countries like Iran and North Korea from developing nuclear weapons. By approving this agreement, all we are doing is creating incentives for other countries to withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.
Reference: US-India Nuclear Agreement;
Bill HR.7081
; vote number 2008-S211
on Oct 1, 2008
Impose sanctions and an import ban on Burma.
Dole co-sponsored imposing sanctions and an import ban on Burma
A bill to impose sanctions on officials of the State Peace and Development Council in Burma, to prohibit the importation of gemstones and hardwoods from Burma, & to promote a coordinated international effort to restore civilian democratic rule to Burma.
(The two Senate versions currently differ in wording). The Saffron Revolution Support Act states that it is U.S. policy to:
- support the democratic aspirations of Burma's people;
- condemn the repression carried out by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC); and
- hold accountable individuals responsible for the repression of peaceful political activity in Burma.
Directs the President to submit to the appropriate congressional committees a list of:- SPDC officials who play or have played a substantial role in political repression in Burma or in the commission of human rights abuses;
- Subjects persons so identified to U.S. entry prohibition and financial sanctions.
- Amends the
Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 to prohibit the importation into the US of Burmese gems, teak, or other hardwood timber.
- Prohibits any U.S. person or corporation from investing in Burma.
Introductory statement by Sponsor:
Sen. McCAIN. The world has reacted with horror and revulsion at the Burmese junta's recent brutal crackdown against peaceful demonstrators. In crushing the Saffron Revolution, killing hundreds and jailing thousands, including countless Buddhist monks, the junta has left no doubt about its blatant disregard for basic human decency. We, as Americans, stand on the side of freedom, not fear; of peace, not violence; and of the millions in Burma who aspire to a better life, not those who would keep them isolated and oppressed. Our response must go beyond statements of condemnation, and the time to act is now. This legislation imposes meaningful and effective punitive action against the cruel, thuggish, and illegitimate Burmese government.
Source: Burma Democracy Promotion Act (S.2257 & S.2172) 07-S2257 on Oct 29, 2007
Implement Darfur Peace Agreement with UN peacekeeping force.
Dole co-sponsored implementing Darfur Peace Agreement with UN peacekeeping force
A resolution calling for peace in Darfur.- Calls upon the government of Sudan and other signatories and non-signatories to the May 5, 2006, Darfur Peace Agreement to cease hostilities.
- Calls upon the government of Sudan to facilitate the deployment of the United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force, including any non-African peacekeepers.
- Urges all invited individuals and movements to attend the next round of peace negotiations without preconditions.
- Condemns: (1) intimidation or threats against camp or civil society leaders to discourage them from attending the peace talks; and (2) actions by any party that undermines the Darfur peace process.
- Calls upon all parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement to support all terms of the agreement.
- Legislative Outcome: Resolution agreed to in Senate, by Unanimous Consent.
Source: S.RES.455 08-SR455 on Feb 14, 2008
Acknowledge the Armenian Genocide of the early 1900s.
Dole co-sponsored acknowledging the Armenian Genocide of the early 1900s
- WHEREAS the Armenian Genocide was conceived and carried out by the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923, resulting in the deportation of nearly 2,000,000 Armenians, of whom 1,500,000 men, women, and children were killed, and which succeeded in the elimination of more than 2,500-year presence of Armenians in their historic homeland;
- WHEREAS, on May 24, 1915, the Allied Powers issued the joint statement of England, France, and Russia that explicitly charged, for the first time ever, another government of committing "a crime against humanity";
- WHEREAS, despite the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the failure of the domestic and international authorities to punish those responsible for the Armenian Genocide is a reason why similar genocides have recurred and may recur in the future, and that a just resolution will help prevent future genocides:
- NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Senate calls on the President, in the
President's annual message commemorating the Armenian Genocide, to accurately characterize the systematic annihilation of 1,500,000 Armenians as genocide and to recall the proud history of US intervention in opposition to the Armenian Genocide.
Sen. DURBIN: The definition of "genocide" is "the deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, racial, political, or cultural group." Scholars agree that what the Armenian people suffered in 1915 to 1917 fits the definition of genocide. To date, 19 countries and 37 US states recognize the Armenian Genocide. Genocide is wrong. It is evil. It is evil whether its victims are Armenians, Sudanese, Rwandan Tutsis, Cambodians or European Jews. Not to acknowledge genocide for what it is denigrates the memory of its victims. Recognition of genocide is part of the healing process. Official recognition will reaffirm our tradition of protecting the vulnerable and inspire us to not stand by and watch as genocide occurs in our time.
Source: Armenian Genocide Resolution (S.RES.106/H.RES.106) 2007-SR106 on Mar 14, 2007
Call for Burma's junta to release political prisoners.
Dole co-sponsored calling for Burma's junta to release political prisoners
- WHEREAS Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has dedicated her life to the peaceful, non-violent movement for democracy and reconciliation in the Union of Burma;
- WHEREAS Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy won a majority of parliamentary seats in Burma's last election held in 1990;
- WHEREAS the State Peace and Development Council of Burma refuses to cede power and permit representative government and has detained Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest for 11 of the last 17 years;
- WHEREAS the ruling military junta has committed numerous, well-documented atrocities against the people of Burma;
- WHEREAS Aung San Suu Kyi continues to promote peaceful dialogue and reconciliation despite mistreatment from the State Peace and Development Council;
- WHEREAS the United States recognizes and supports the dedication and commitment to freedom demonstrated by Aung San Suu Kyi:
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate--
- (1) honors Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi for her courage and devotion to the people of the Union of Burma and their struggle for democracy; and
- (2)calls for the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners by the State Peace and Development Council.
Source: Aung San Suu Kyi Resolution (S.RES.250) 2007-SR250 on Jun 22, 2007
Condemn violence by Chinese government in Tibet.
Dole co-sponsored condemning the violence by Chinese government in Tibet
A resolution condemning the violence in Tibet and calling for restraint by the Government of the People's Republic of China and the people of Tibet. Calls for:
- a dialogue between the government of China and His Holiness the Dalai Lama on religious and cultural autonomy for Tibet within China; and
- release of peaceful protesters.
Calls on the PRC to:- respect the right of the people of Tibet to speak of the Dalai Lama and possess his photograph;
- respect basic human rights;
- allow international journalists free access to China; and
- provide a full accounting of the March 2008 protests in Tibet.
Urges that the agreement permitting the PRC to open further diplomatic missions in the United States should be contingent upon establishment of a U.S. government office in Lhasa, Tibet.
Source: S.RES.504 2008-SR504 on Apr 7, 2008
Page last updated: Nov 22, 2009