[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1088 Engrossed in House (EH)]







H. Res. 1088

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                      December 8, 2006.
Whereas on November 21, 2006, Pierre Gemayel, a Member of the March 14 
        parliamentary coalition, was assassinated in New Jdeide, north of 
        Beirut, Lebanon;
Whereas a series of targeted attacks and killings of public leaders working to 
        promote democracy and autonomy in Lebanon has placed a heavy toll on 
        Lebanon's intellectual and democratic freedoms;
Whereas the prosecution by the proposed International Independent Investigation 
        Commission of persons accused in the assassination of former Prime 
        Minister Rafik Hariri could deter future assassinations;
Whereas Pierre Gemayel was born on September 24, 1972, into a prominent Lebanese 
        family;
Whereas Pierre Gemayel was first elected to the Lebanese Parliament in 2000;
Whereas Pierre Gemayel was named Minister of Industry in the Lebanese Government 
        in 2005;
Whereas Amine Gemayel, the father of Pierre Gemayel and former President of 
        Lebanon, has urged the Phalange party supporters and all Lebanese 
        citizens to promote cooperation and solidarity and hamper attempts to 
        instigate civil strife;
Whereas, on November 21, 2006, following Pierre Gemayel's assassination, 
        President George W. Bush stated that ``the United States remains fully 
        committed to supporting Lebanon's independence and democracy in the face 
        of attempts by Syria, Iran, and their allies within Lebanon to foment 
        instability and violence'';
Whereas supporting the development of democratic institutions in Lebanon is 
        critical to promoting the interests of the United States in the Middle 
        East region, building upon the momentum of the March 14, 2005, ``Cedar 
        Revolution'', fighting terrorism, and supporting negotiations for peace 
        in the region; and
Whereas the House Democracy Assistance Commission has worked in partnership with 
        the Lebanese Parliament to strengthen its institutional capacity, and 
        met with Pierre Gemayel during the Commission's delegation to Lebanon in 
        July 2006: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) expresses its condolences for this heinous crime to the people 
        of Lebanon and to the members of Lebanon's Cabinet in which Pierre 
        Gemayel served with distinction;
            (2) affirms its support for the international tribunal to try 
        suspects in the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik 
        Hariri;
            (3) urges that the perpetrators of the assassination of Pierre 
        Gemayel be brought to justice;
            (4) conveys concern regarding the increasing polarization of 
        Lebanon's religious sects and calls on the Government of Lebanon to 
        actively pursue electoral reform as a first step in reducing 
        confessional tensions;
            (5) recognizes that a regional peace in the Middle East will greatly 
        contribute to Lebanon's long-term security and stability; and
            (6) reaffirms the commitment of the United States to support and 
        promote the development of autonomous, effective democratic institutions 
        in Lebanon, including an independent Parliament and a strong central 
        government that represent and serve the interests of the Lebanese 
        people.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.