Statement by Representative Neil Abercrombie (D-HI)

 Good morning, and aloha to everyone.  I hope that you will take this morningís opportunity to take heart.  Last night, you know that there was a ìStateless Dinnerî here in Washington, [a counterpart to] the State Dinner being held for the President of China.  I had a moment or two to offer a toast, and I want to repeat what I said there, that often matters of human rights are characterized by those who are suppressing them as being questions of internal matters.  That is to say that we as human beings have no business, political or otherwise, in engaging ourselves in matters of [other nationsí] human rights.  I have never [agreed] that the legitimacy of any political regime can be dependent upon the torture, the murder, or suppression of another human being.  Any regime which has as its foundation the coercion and suppression of others, particularly manifested in the dehumanization and degrading of another human being, cannot have legitimacy, cannot stand the light of exposure.  In this sense it is clear that at this stage, while there are many trans-national political issues [regarding the United States and Turkey], that no hardships of negotiation and political activity can in any way, shape, or form, justify the suppression of the Kurdish people that is now taking place.
 Equally important is the expression [of the struggle for human rights] through an individual.  You may know that there is a process underway now of adopting [the causes of] various prisoners in Tibet.  Amnesty International has done this for years, and it has been very effective.  Part of the reason it is effective is that itís the obvious you need to say over and over again, because itís the obvious you tend to take most for granted and forget first.  Many people in this room may be familiar with the situation [of Leyla Zana], but we cannot expect that other people are.  So we have to retain our enthusiasm and commitment, because we have to educate and inform the people, not only in this country, but around the world.  We need to put Ms. Zanaís name forward continually, because it helps to personify [the plight of the Kurds] in a way that will illuminate it for those who are not familiar with the situation.
 In this particular instance, you will find a certain sad irony that you are competing for attention this week, because of the circumstances associated with the arrival of the President of China.  Emphasis, especially in the world of popular entertainment and film, is placed on China in regard to Tibet.  That doesnít lessen our commitment [to Leyla Zana].  What it means is that freedom is indivisible.  It means that the suffering of human beings under politically repressive regimes is indivisible, and that we are all united in this [struggle].  I am certain that all the Members who are associating themselves with the letter to the President regarding Ms. Zana, will manifest their commitment, be true to her and to all those who are suffering.
 As island people, as a diverse society, as a society which has undergone evolutionary political, social, and economic changes, as a society which defines itself rather than divides itself as a result of its diversity, we [in Hawaii] are particularly sensitive to and empathetic toward the Kurdish people.  We are a multiplicity of people.  A society can make one of two choices when it has a diversity, to define itself or divide itself.  We have chosen to define ourselves.
 I assure you that whatever I can do individually, and whatever the Members of Congress can do collectively to aid and assist the Kurdish people in achieving their measure of justice and opportunity, you can count on us.  Thank you very much.