[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.