[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 5] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 7209-7210] [From the U.S. 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-- [[Page 7210]] 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. ____________________