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







109th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1088

Expressing support for Lebanon's democratic institutions and condemning 
  the recent terrorist assassination of Lebanese parliamentarian and 
                 Industry Minister Pierre Amin Gemayel.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            December 5, 2006

Mr. Dreier (for himself and Mr. Price of North Carolina) submitted the 
     following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on 
                        International Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION



Expressing support for Lebanon's democratic institutions and condemning 
  the recent terrorist assassination of Lebanese parliamentarian and 
                 Industry Minister Pierre Amin Gemayel.

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.
                                 <all>