2

H.L.C.

(2004), reaffirmed its call for the strict respect of Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and political independence under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon;

Whereas there remains unresolved and as a matter of national and world concern the assassination of Rafiq alHariri, former Lebanese prime minister, which has justly been condemned as a terrorist act;

Whereas the international community has begun investigations into the assassination of Rafiq al-Hariri and it is the policy of the United States to urge full cooperation with the investigations;

Whereas the international community is considering further action to promote Lebanese sovereignty;

Whereas the emancipation of political prisoners and detainees held in Syrian and Lebanese prisons is a precondition for national reconciliation and a rebuilding of Lebanon's democratic institutions; and

Whereas general elections in Lebanon are scheduled to begin on May 29, 2005: Now, therefore, be it

Strike all after the resolving clause and insert

the following:

1 That it is the sense of the House of Representatives

2 that

3

(1) Syria should complete its withdrawal of all

4 remaining intelligence and security forces from the

Lebanese Republic in accordance with United Na

5

6

tions Security Council Resolution 1559 (2004);

3

H.L.C.

(2) Lebanon should allow unfettered access to international monitors present for the purpose of

verifying compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559 (2004);

(3) Lebanon should hold free, fair, and transparent elections to begin on May 29, 2005, in accordance with all international standards and agree

ments;

(4) the United States should aid the people of Lebanon in their efforts to restore the separation of powers, the rule of law, and a proper respect for fundamental freedoms of every citizen; and

(5) it should be the policy of the United States Government to

(A) support free and fair elections in Lebanon by encouraging international election assistance and observers;

(B) support a national dialogue that transcends sectarian divisions and urge the develop

ment of democratic institutions and safeguards

to foster sovereign democratic rule in Lebanon; and

(C) call for the immediate release of all po

litical prisoners and detainees held in Lebanese

and Syrian prisons.

H.L.C.

4

Amend the title so as to read: "Resolution recognizing the courageous efforts of the people of Leb

anon to restore their independence and urging the withdrawal of all Syrian forces from Lebanon, the support for free and fair democratic elections in Lebanon, and the development of democratic institutions and safeguards to foster sovereign democratic rule in Lebanon.".

H.L.C.

AMENDMENT TO H. CON. RES. 149

OFFERED BY M

In the first clause of the preamble, strike "on May 14, 1948," and insert "in May 1948".

In the 12th clause of the preamble, add "and" at the end after the semicolon.

In the 13th clause of the preamble, strike "; and" and insert": Now, therefore, be it".

Strike the 14th clause of the preamble.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Lantos.

Mr. LANTOS. Madam Chair, we have no objections; and we strongly support the resolutions.

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Thank you very much, Mr. Lantos.

If there is no further discussion, without objection, all the measures on the agenda for today's markup will be reported favorably to the Full Committee, and the amendments which the Members have before them will be considered as adopted.

The Subcommittee stands adjourned.

[Whereupon, at 9:33 a.m., the Subcommittee was adjourned.]