House Resolution Commending Israel's Democracy
(February 11, 2003)
In February 2003, the House of Representatives passed H.Res.61 commending
the people of Israel for conducting free and fair elections and reaffirming
the friendship between the Governments of the United States
and Israel. The measure passed by a vote of 411-2.
H. Res. 61
Whereas the United States and Israel are close allies whose people 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 an essential feature of Israeli democracy
is its system of competitive, free , and open elections ;
Whereas on January 28, 2003, the people of Israel
elected Israel's 16th Knesset,
or Parliament, which in turn will choose the Prime Minister of Israel
; and
Whereas the election on January 28, 2003, 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) commends the people of Israel for reaffirming
their dedication to democratic ideals as expressed in the election on
January 28, 2003;
(2) expresses both its respect for the freely expressed
will of the people of Israel , and its intention to engage in constructive
relations with the new Government of Israel , and urges the international
community to do so as well;
(3) 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;
(4) urges the Palestinian leadership to abide by its
commitments made to the United States and to Israel and urges the Palestinian
people to act on President Bush's call of June 24, 2002, to dismantle
the terrorist infrastructure, end incitement to violence in official
media, elect new leaders not compromised by terror, and embrace democracy;
and
(5) restates the commitment of the United States to
a secure peace for Israel .
Sources: Library of Congress |