Thursday, October 4, 2001

Peace negotiator alters speech to focus on attacks
By Kristin Campbell
Staff Reporter

Even following the Sept. 11 attacks on America, there is no conflict that cannot be resolved, said former U.S. Senator George J. Mitchell Wednesday in Ed Landreth Hall Auditorium.

He said the effort to combat terrorism should be global in scope.

David Dunai/SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Former Senator George J. Mitchell discusses the importance of using global measures to fight terrorism.

“We will find and destroy the networks of terrorism,” Mitchell said. “It’s essential that a broad, international coalition be built and maintained.”

Mitchell was nominated to speak at the fourth annual TCU Fogelson Honors Forum because he is considered to be the premier peacemaker in the world, said Kathryne McDorman, honors program director.

Mitchell is the chairman of an international fact-finding committee investigating violence and recommending resolutions in the Middle East. He serves as Chairman of the Peace Negotiation in Northern Ireland.

The topic of Wednesday’s forum originally focused on international conflict and resolution, specifically in Northern Ireland and the Middle East, McDorman said.

Mitchell changed his speech because the attack on America is now more timely, she said.

Mitchell said while terrorism cannot be eliminated, America needs to focus on what can be done to reduce the likelihood and success of future attacks.

“We are much more likely to prevent further attacks, and when they occur, reduce their effectiveness, if we aggressively seek out the terrorists, disrupt their planning and interdict their actions,” Mitchell said. “Failure to respond aggressively would be interpreted around the world as a sign of weakness.”

He said many people around the world are inspired by American constitutional values of individual liberty, equal justice and opportunity for all, but those same people disagree with some American policies.

“There are those for whom America is the inevitable target for their rage, simply because of its place in the world,” Mitchell said.

It is important to remember that this is not the first time America was attacked, he said. He cited several other terrorist acts against the United States but said none of them shattered America’s sense of invulnerability.

“The attack exposed the reality that there is no place that is immune from terror,” he said. “There is no safe haven, anywhere.”

Mitchell received a standing ovation at the end of his remarks and opened the forum for questions.

Rebecca Still, a junior history major and forum coordinator, said she found Mitchell encouraging.

“There’s always a solution, it’s just a matter of finding it, particularly through discussion and negotiation,” Still said.

Mitchell said that hope and opportunity are essential to stability.

Larry Lauer, vice chancellor for marketing and communication, said he was impressed by the clarity of Mitchell’s thinking.

“He’s obviously good at solving conflicts and he will continue to be called upon by administration,” Lauer said.

Kristin Campbell
k.a.campbell@student.tcu.edu