[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 91 Engrossed in House (EH)]
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
February 17, 2005.
Whereas on February 14, 2005, a bomb exploded in Beirut, Lebanon, killing at
least 15 people, including Rafik Hariri, former Prime Minister of
Lebanon, and wounding at least 100 people;
Whereas Rafik Hariri, a leader and public servant, was believed to be the target
of the attack;
Whereas on June 14, 2003, the Future TV studio in Lebanon, which is owned by
Rafik Hariri, was targeted by a rocket attack;
Whereas Rafik Hariri, born into a humble family in Sidon, Lebanon, on November
1, 1944, became a successful businessman and politician who served the
people of Lebanon in numerous roles;
Whereas Rafik Hariri contributed to the mediation between Lebanese militias
during the Lebanese civil war and was a primary architect of the 1989
Taif Accords, which put an end to the Lebanese civil war;
Whereas Rafik Hariri contributed to the economic development and post-war
reconstruction of Lebanon, attracting foreign investments from
throughout the world;
Whereas Rafik Hariri founded several philanthropic, humanitarian, and
educational foundations to provide assistance to needy individuals;
Whereas Rafik Hariri was respected by the international community, as
exemplified by the international community's support for the Paris II
conference on relieving Lebanon's debt in November 2002;
Whereas the assassination of Rafik Hariri should not be allowed to discourage
participation and open debate in Lebanon's upcoming parliamentary
elections, which the United States expects to take place in the spring
of 2005 as scheduled and be credible, democratic, and free of foreign
interference;
Whereas in response to the terrorist bombing attack, President George W. Bush
stated: ``Mr. Hariri was a fervent supporter of Lebanese independence,
and worked tirelessly to rebuild a free, independent, and prosperous
Lebanon following its brutal civil war and despite its continued foreign
occupation. His murder is an attempt to stifle these efforts to build an
independent, sovereign Lebanon free of foreign domination.''; and
Whereas President Bush further stated: ``The people of Lebanon deserve the
freedom to choose their leaders free of intimidation, terror, and
foreign occupation, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution
1559. The United States will consult with other governments in the
region and on the Security Council today about measures that can be
taken to punish those responsible for this terrorist attack, to end the
use of violence and intimidation against the Lebanese people, and to
restore Lebanon's independence, sovereignty, and democracy by freeing it
from foreign occupation.'': Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the terrorist bombing
attack that occurred on February 14, 2005, in Beirut, Lebanon, that
killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and killed and
wounded others;
(2) extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of
all the victims in this terrorist attack and to the people of Lebanon in
this moment of tragedy;
(3) recognizes the significant contributions made by Rafik Hariri
during his lifetime;
(4) reaffirms the right of the people of Lebanon to choose their
leaders in a manner that is free of intimidation, terror, and foreign
occupation in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution
1559 (2004); and
(5) urges all members of the international community to facilitate
any investigation into this terrorist attack and help bring the
perpetrators to justice.
Attest:
Clerk.