[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 55 (Wednesday, April 21, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH ISSA BIN SALMAN AL-KHALIFA, LATE EMIR OF 
                          THE STATE OF BAHRAIN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 1999

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, March 6th, His Highness Sheikh 
Issa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, the Emir of Bahrain, died suddenly. The 
world mourned with the people of Bahrain, and, last week, on April 
14th, the State of Bahrain commemorated the 40th, and last, day of 
mourning.
  Sheikh Issa played an important role as the leader of Bahrain. He 
supported U.S. and international efforts to promote peace and stability 
during the most difficult and contentious times in the Gulf and the 
Middle East. He was a man who relied on his intuition and led Bahrain 
from an oil-based economy to a diversified one. Under the Emir, Bahrain 
advanced in the Arab world, becoming the regional headquarters for many 
U.S. corporations doing business in the Middle East and a major 
financial hub in the Gulf.
  Sheikh Issac's son, Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa Al-Khalifa, assumed his 
father's position as Emir of Bahrain, and is expected to follow in his 
father's footsteps in promoting economic development at home and 
political cooperation abroad. Soon after the Emir's death, His 
Highness, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, the Prime Minister of 
Bahrain, gave a eulogy in memory of the late Emir.
  Accordingly, Mr. Speaker, I request that his remarks be included in 
the Congressional Record for our colleagues' review. I know that we all 
share in the sorrow of the citizens of Bahrain. Yet, we look forward to 
even closer bilateral relations between the United States and the State 
of Bahrain under Emir Hamad in the months and years to come.

  Eulogy of His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, Prime 
                    Minister of the State of Bahrain

       It is a most said occasion to stand here today over the 
     lost of the dearest and most cherished of men, the late Emir 
     H.H. Sheikh Issa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, leader, father, and 
     dear brother. May his soul rest in eternal peace and may God 
     Almighty grant him mercy.
       With the passing of H.H. Sheikh Issa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, 
     Bahrain and the Arab and Islamic world have lost a unique 
     leader, who pledged himself and devoted his entire life to 
     building and developing his country in all fields. He was 
     tireless in his endeavors to achieve peace and security in 
     the region and in the world. He was also a kind and gentle 
     leader, full of love and devotion for his people. He set 
     himself as an example that is hard to follow. As a leader and 
     father, he combined wisdom with a loving heart and high moral 
     standards of decency. In dealing with his people and other 
     nations, he relied on justice and honesty. His ultimate goal 
     was cooperation and peace for all relations among nations.
       H.H. Sheikh Issa's reign was an era of peace, a time of 
     building and progress, a time of development and national 
     unity. During his reign, Bahrain achieved regional and 
     international recognition in all fields--an achievement that 
     makes us all very proud. Bahrain made progress and 
     development in health, education, and housing. Our nation 
     reached a higher economic status, as well as an excellent 
     reputation of credibility abroad. Bahrain played a prominent 
     role in establishing and strengthening the Gulf Cooperation 
     Council. Under his leadership, our nation had a very positive 
     role in all Arab issues, calling for solidarity, urging the 
     removal of all matters of discord, and defending Arab rights 
     and issues. Internationally, Bahrain attained a distinguished 
     status due to the respect, trust, and friendship he 
     personally developed with leaders of the world. Those leaders 
     appreciated his great contributions in promoting world peace, 
     security, and stability and in strengthening international 
     cohesion and cooperation, as well as supporting humane values 
     and issues.
       No words can really give adequate credit to the last Emir 
     H.H. Sheikh Essa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa for his love for his 
     country and his kindness to his people. He was a sincere 
     Emir--a wise leader, an idealist in his devotion with concern 
     and care for all Arab, Islamic, and world issues. H.H. Sheikh 
     Issa shall remain a giant among men in the history of this 
     nation for his great achievements and his high morals and 
     ethics. His memory shall forever remain alive in the minds 
     and hearts of his country and his loving people.
       In this time of great sorrow for H.H. Sheikh Issa we take 
     solace his son and successor, H.H. Sheikh Hamand Bin Issa Al-
     Khalifa, with every confidence that he will be a fit and able 
     successor to his father. We are confident that his reign 
     shall witness further development, progress, and prosperity 
     due to his wisdom, excellent leadership capabilities, and 
     strong administrative abilities. It is our pride to exert the 
     utmost dedication in supporting H.H. Sheikh Hamad to continue 
     the path of development which was established by the beloved, 
     great leader nationally, regionally, and internationally.
       We would also like to extend our best wishes to our dear 
     son H.H. Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Bin Issa Al-Khalifa on his 
     appointment as Crown Prince--an appointment that has received 
     the full consideration and support of all.
       The proper transfer of leadership in this nation has a 
     positive impact on all, since it reflects the solidity of the 
     rule of law and all its institutions that the late Emir has 
     established. In this sad time, we would like to express our 
     sincere pride for the show of support displayed by the 
     Bahraini people, symbolizing the spirit of a single family 
     that the late leader was keen to develop. This spirit 
     reflects the cohesion between the people of Bahrain and their 
     leadership, as the late leader had wished.
       We wish to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to 
     the leaders, governments, and peoples of all brotherly and 
     friendly states for their true sentiments and their generous 
     participation with Bahrain on the sad demise of the late 
     great leader, the father, and beloved brother H.H. Sheikh 
     Issa.
       May God Almighty grant our beloved leader mercy and rest in 
     heaven. Peace and God's mercy by upon you all.

     

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