[News from Congressman Chris Smith - 4th New Jersey

9/11 Commission Chairs Kean and Hamilton Endorse 2 Critical Smith Proposals

Commissioners voice support for international convention on travel docs and Helsinki-like framework for the Middle East

WASHINGTON, DC – While testifying before the full House Committee on International Relations today, 9/11 Commission Chairman Tom Kean and Vice Chairman Lee Hamilton voiced support for two separate reforms proposed by IR Committee Vice Chairman Chris Smith that would institute stringent travel restrictions throughout the world and enhance public diplomacy with Muslim nations.

During the question and answer session at today’s hearing, Smith asked Kean and Hamilton for their views on his proposal for an international legal convention under the auspices of the United Nations to develop global standards on travel documents and procedures to help track and prevent terrorist travel.

"While the United States has undertaken several concrete actions to prevent known or suspected terrorists from entering our nation and to beef-up our visa, customs, and border patrol operations; more must be done by – and in coordination with – the global community," Smith said. "We need to establish uniform travel restrictions and protocol to close the gap on terrorist cells and to prevent them from growing."

The commission stated in its report that "for terrorists, travel documents are as important as weapons." At the hearing, Kean went on to say, "Travel is where the terrorists are most vulnerable. This has to be a priority."

"UN Security Counsel Resolution, including UNSCR 1373, provide a general legal basis for states to track and prevent travel of terrorists, but none of these resolutions contain specific provisions requiring these member states to take such action. The UN has not made this a focus of its work, and its ability to enforce compliance is limited. This is why we need a new convention on this critical issue of travel," Smith said.

During a full committee hearing Chaired by Smith last week, Commission staff cited clamping down on travel by suspected terrorists as a critical goal for safeguarding our nation and preventing any future attack.

As Chairman of the United States Helsinki Commission and the U.S. delegation to the 55-member nation Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, Smith also suggested that the Helsinki Commission serve as a forum to improve bilateral dialogue and diplomacy between western states and the Arab World.

"During both the Cold War and its aftermath, the OSCE has been the single most important vehicle for enhancing relations between the U.S. and western Europe with the former Soviet Union and Soviet bloc nations. The OSCE provides a setting for parliamentarians and foreign ministers to address concerns about a wide variety of topics – including human rights, national security, and the economy – to help improve life for the citizens of each of the 55 nations," Smith said.

Noting that six Middle Eastern nations already observe OSCE proceedings, Smith recommended that the assembly be expanded.

Kean called the Helsinki process "a model," and he and Hamilton both endorsed such a proposal.

"An expanded assembly between the West and the Arab World would help improve diplomatic dialogue and remove barriers that currently stand in the way, preventing a full and mutual understanding of each culture. Such a forum would also help generations of younger Muslims obtain a better understanding of the United States, her people, and what we stand for – a major recommendation cited in the 9/11 report," Smith added.

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For Immediate Release: August 24, 2004
Contact:  Nick Manetto (202) 225-3765