House Resolution Congratulating Ariel Sharon on Election and Calling for End to Violence

(House Resolution 34)

(February 13, 2001)

Whereas the Governments of the United States and Israel are close allies and share a deep and abiding friendship based on a shared commitment to democratic values; Whereas since its establishment in 1948, Israel has fulfilled the dreams of its founders, who envisioned a vigorous, open, and stable democracy; Whereas the centerpiece of Israeli democracy is its system of competitive, free, and open elections; Whereas on February 6, 2001, the people of Israel elected Ariel Sharon as Prime Minister of Israel; and Whereas the election on February 6, 2001, is the most recent example of the commitment of Israel to the democratic ideals of freedom and pluralism, ideals that Israel shares with the United States: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the House of Representatives--

(1) congratulates Ariel Sharon on his election as Prime Minister, and extends to him the best wishes of the people of the United States;

(2) commends the people of Israel for reaffirming, through the ir participation in the election on February 6, 2001, their dedication to democratic ideals;

(3) urges Palestine Liberation Organization Chairman Yasser Arafat to use his influence and resources to see that violence in the Middle East is brought to an end;

(4) calls upon the countries that neighbor Israel and upon the international community to respect the freely expressed will of the people of Israel and to be prepared to engage in constructive relations with the new Government of Israel;

(5) reaffirms the close bonds of friendship that have bound the people of the United States and the people of Israel together through turbulent times for more than half a century; and

(6) restates the commitment of the United States to a secure peace for Israel.