H.L.C.

2

(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 na

tional 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 investiga

tions 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);

5

(3) Lebanon should hold free, fair, and trans

6

parent elections to begin on May 29, 2005, in ac

7

cordance with all international standards and agree

8

ments;

9

(4) the United States should aid the people of

10

Lebanon in their efforts to restore the separation of

11

powers, the rule of law, and a proper respect for

12

fundamental freedoms of every citizen; and

13

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

15

(A) support free and fair elections in Leb

23

(C) call for the immediate release of all po

24

litical prisoners and detainees held in Lebanese

25

and Syrian prisons.

H.L.C.

4

Amend the title so as to read: “Resolution rec

ognizing 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 institu

tions 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.

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