November 5, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H12465 France is the United States’ ninth taken to join with the United States in underwrote the American Revolution, largest partner for trade in goods and addressing key issues of our day. Marquis de Lafayette. In fact, his por- sixth largest partner for trade and On the eve of the fifth anniversary of trait is the only portrait of a non- services. The United States and France the September 11 attacks, then-French American that hangs anywhere in this are scientific and technical partners as Interior Minister Nicholas Sarkozy great building, the U.S. Capitol. well. Research institutions and private traveled to New York City to dem- For us to recognize, as my friend companies in both countries partici- onstrate solidarity with the American from Arkansas just has said in his re- pate in extensive scientific collabora- people on that occasion. During his marks, the great new, renewed friend- tion on a wide range of issues, includ- visit, Mr. Sarkozy paid tribute to New ship with the election of President ing computer development, bio- York City’s Police and Fire Depart- Sarkozy between the United States and technology, and space exploration. ments as part of the commemoration of France is, I think, a great thing. I am This spirit of cooperation also typi- the anniversary and noted as part of very enthused about 11 o’clock Wednes- fies the cultural exchange that takes his remarks the following: ‘‘One thing day morning when we are in this very place between American and French is sure in the history of our two peo- Chamber going to hear the words of academic institutions, museums, and ples, each time we faced a challenge, France’s new President. theatres. In light of our continued France was able to count on the United As my friend said, for Nicholas friendship between the people of the States of America.’’ Sarkozy, before he became President, United States and France, we are hon- He then presented to the New York when he was a minister on the fifth an- ored that President Sarkozy will be ap- Fire Department the French Medal of niversary of September 11, to go to pearing before a joint session of Con- Honor, the very first time that the New York and demonstrate his soli- gress this week on November 7, 2007. medal, the highest award for French darity with those who stood up to the I urge my colleagues to support this firefighters, has been awarded to for- terrorists and, again, his great assist- resolution, which congratulates Mr. eigners. By taking such actions, as ance in working with us in supporting Nicholas Sarkozy on his election to the both Minister of the Interior and now the State of Israel, in making sure that presidency of France and welcomes as the President of France, Mr. we do everything that we can to dimin- President Sarkozy to Washington. Sarkozy has won the appreciation of ish the threat of the potential nuclear I might also add that it is especially the American people. buildup in Iran; of course, the kinds of nice that the leader of France has dem- I note that his attitude regarding the missions that Nicholas Sarkozy has onstrated time and time again that he necessity of preventing Iran from embarked on most recently to return has warm feelings towards the United achieving its nuclear ambitions, his ex- the hostages of many conflicts around States of America and is, indeed, a pro- pressed support for the nation of Israel is something that, I believe, is to be American leader of France. The rela- and his praise for the United States as heralded. We just had the news this tions between the United States and a land of opportunity are very much morning that President Sarkozy per- France in the past several years has appreciated as well. sonally was able to see the return of, I been a little frosty, and it’s nice to see Mr. Speaker, we are glad to have think it was seven nurses, who had that those frosty relations have France as an ally, and we hope to deep- been held hostage. thawed. It’s nice to see a leader of en the friendship and partnership that So his commitment to the cause of France who understands and wants to the United States and France have en- freedom and liberty, and I will say, yes, work with the United States and un- joyed so many times in the history of his underscoring the great importance derstands that we have a very close, our two countries. As the cochair of of the relationship and the alliance be- long-standing relationship between our the Congressional French Caucus, I be- tween France and the United States of people. lieve that the resolution before us America is a great thing for us. I con- I welcome President Sarkozy. I look today helps send a message of contin- gratulate my colleagues for their sup- forward to hearing him when he speaks ued friendship with the people of port and urge everyone to support this before a joint session of the House and France while congratulating President resolution. Congress later on this week. I think Sarkozy on his election and welcoming Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield that this resolution is a fitting tribute him to the United States. back the balance of my time. to him, and I believe that the United I ask all of my colleagues to join in Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield States and France, under his leader- supporting this very timely resolution. back the balance of my time. ship, will enjoy warm ties. I have one additional speaker. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The If I can think a bit about my French Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I would question is on the motion offered by from grammar school, I could say, Vive continue to reserve the balance of my the gentleman from New York (Mr. la France. time. ENGEL) that the House suspend the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield rules and agree to the resolution, H. my time. to the gentleman from California (Mr. Res. 379, as amended. Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield DREIER) as much time as he may con- The question was taken. myself such time as I may consume. sume. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the The great nation of France and the Mr. DREIER. I thank my good friend opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being United States of America have a shared from Arkansas, the cochair of the U.S.- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. heritage of commitment to freedom French Caucus, and appreciate his Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that and independence. From time to time, thoughtful remarks as well as the re- I demand the yeas and nays. of course, we have made different marks of my friend from New York. The yeas and nays were ordered. choices or followed different paths in Mr. Speaker, I rise because I think it The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- our commitment to the rule of law, is really a great day that we are once ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the human rights and democracy, but we in again, after what could only be consid- Chair’s prior announcement, further the United States are always grateful ered as somewhat of a hiatus in this in- proceedings on this motion will be to have France’s collaboration in ad- stitution, underscoring the importance postponed. vancing important foreign policy and of the relationship between the United security objectives. The newly elected States and France. It’s very clear that f President of France, Mr. Nicholas there was a period of time when we Sarkozy, is this week paying an official were quite critical of France and, in EXPRESSING CONCERN RELATING visit to Washington and will address a fact, we all know that the sort of the TO IRANIAN REGIME AND joint meeting of this Congress during politically correct thing to do was to MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD his visit. engage in French bashing. Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I move to His visit prompts us to recall some of I always had a tough time with that suspend the rules and agree to the reso- the expressions of support Mr. Sarkozy myself. One of the reasons is that as we lution (H. Res. 435) expressing concern has offered to our country and some of are here in this Chamber, the portrait relating to the threatening behavior of the concrete steps he has, indeed, just to my right is of the man who the Iranian regime and its leader

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:03 Nov 06, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05NO7.016 H05NOPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H12466 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 5, 2007 Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and the activi- perpetrators of the 1994 AMIA terrorist at- Hemisphere to pursue an antiterrorism cam- ties of terrorist organizations spon- tack; paign based on cooperation and constant vig- sored by that regime in Latin America, Whereas in September 2007, the President ilance; of Argentina said to the United Nations Gen- (6) urges the United States Government to as amended. eral Assembly, ‘‘I want to stress here, in the The Clerk read the title of the resolu- work bilaterally and multilaterally with United Nations headquarters, that unfortu- countries in the Western Hemisphere to help tion. nately until now, the Islamic Republic of them create antiterrorism legislation that The text of the resolution is as fol- Iran has not collaborated with the Argentine would give governmental authorities new lows: justice system to clarify what occurred’’; tools to take action against terrorist net- H. RES. 435 Whereas according to a 2003 report by the works; and Whereas the Department of State has said Library of Congress, money laundered in the (7) recommends that the President of the that Iran is the ‘‘most active state sponsor of tri-border region, the area where Argentina, United States create more mechanisms for terrorism’’; Paraguay and Brazil meet, ‘‘probably are in joint counterterrorism operations and Whereas the Department of State 2007 the billions of dollars per year’’ and intraregional information sharing among International Narcotics Control Strategy ‘‘Hizbollah has reaped hundreds of millions supportive countries in the Western Hemi- Report moved Iran to a ‘‘Jurisdiction of Pri- of dollars in profits from narcotics and arms sphere, especially in light of Iran’s increased trafficking, product piracy, and other illicit mary Concern’’; involvement in the region. activities in the tri-border area’’; Whereas in February 2006, the chairman of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Whereas the television station Telemundo the Iranian legislative body announced an interviewed residents of the tri-border region ant to the rule, the gentleman from offer to assist Venezuela with a nuclear pro- who said that ‘‘they’re only waiting for an New York (Mr. ENGEL) and the gen- gram; order to put bombs on their body and attack tleman from Arkansas (Mr. BOOZMAN) Whereas in February 2006, Cuba, Ven- the United States’’; ezuela, and Syria were the only 3 member each will control 20 minutes. Whereas in March 2007, Brazilian officials nations of the 35-nation board of the Inter- The Chair recognizes the gentleman arrested 31 people for illegally issuing pass- national Atomic Energy Agency to vote from New York. ports over the past 14 years, and press re- against referring Iran to the United Nations ports indicate that some of these passports b 1445 Security Council for its nuclear program; may have been provided to members of ter- GENERAL LEAVE Whereas in September 2007, Iran requested rorist organizations, including members of observer-status membership in the Hizbollah; Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- Bolivarian Alternative for the Peoples of the Whereas Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and imous consent that all Members may Americas (ALBA), an organization led by the United States have formed the 3+1 have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- Hugo Chavez, President of Venezuela, to Group, which has focused on the financing of tend their remarks and include extra- counter United States-led efforts for free terrorism, drug and arms trafficking, and neous material on the resolution under trade in that region; border security, as well as the exchange of consideration. Whereas in September 2007, Mahmoud information, with the purpose of preventing Ahmadinejad, the President of Iran, made The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there terrorism and transnational crimes in the objection to the request of the gen- his third visit in one year to Latin America, tri-border region; this time visiting Venezuela and Bolivia, Whereas in November 2006, Brazil estab- tleman from New York? where Mr. Ahmadinejad announced a com- lished a new Regional Intelligence Center in There was no objection. mitment of Iranian investment in Bolivia of the tri-border region, dedicated to coordi- Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in up to $1,000,000,000 over five years; nating intelligence activities of the police support of this resolution and yield Whereas Mr. Ahmadinejad and Mr. Chavez forces of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, myself as much time as I may con- have announced plans for a $2,000,000,000 and invited Argentina and Paraguay to send sume. shared fund to invest in projects in countries official representatives to the Center; I want to thank the gentlemen from that Mr. Chavez characterized as seeking to Whereas in March 2007, the Organization of Florida, Mr. KLEIN and Mr. MACK, both ‘‘liberate themselves from the U.S. impe- American States’ Inter-American Committee rialist yoke’’; Against Terrorism (CICTE) reaffirmed that active and valued members of the Sub- Whereas in July 2007, the Venezuelan en- ‘‘terrorism in all its forms and manifesta- committee on the Western Hemisphere, ergy minister announced plans to sell gaso- tions, whatever its origin or motivation, has which I chair, for their work on this line to Iran following riots in Iran opposing no justification whatsoever, affects the full timely and important resolution that the Iranian Government’s policy of gas ra- enjoyment and exercise of human rights, and raises awareness about Iran’s growing tioning; constitutes a grave threat to international foothold in the Western Hemisphere Whereas in March, 2007 routine civilian air- peace and security, democratic institutions, and its national security implications line flights were established from Tehran, and the values enshrined in the OAS Charter, for all countries of this region. Iran directly to Caracas, Venezuela; the Inter-American Democratic Charter, and Whereas the 2006 State Department’s Coun- other regional and international instru- This resolution is particularly valu- try Reports on Terrorism stated that Ven- ments’’; able as it catalogues a series of facts ezuela is not ‘‘fully cooperating’’ with Whereas in July 2007, the Government of and actions related to the growing United States antiterrorism efforts; Argentina enacted anti-terrorism legislation presence of Iran south of our border. Whereas according to the State Depart- that put in place harsher penalties for co- Last month, immediately after his ment, ‘‘an individual claiming to be a mem- operating with terrorists; and address to the United Nations General ber of an Islamic extremist group in Ven- Whereas as of March 2007, the Government Assembly, Iranian President ezuela placed two pipe bombs outside the of Brazil was considering expanded anti-ter- Ahmadinejad flew to Venezuela and Bo- American Embassy in Caracas on October 23, rorism legislation: Now, therefore, be it 2006. Venezuelan police safely disposed of the Resolved, That the House of Representa- livia. This was his third trip the region two pipe bombs and immediately made one tives— this year. Mr. Ahmadinejad has used arrest. The investigation by Venezuelan au- (1) expresses concern over the emerging na- these trips to announce increased dip- thorities resulted in the additional arrest of tional security implications of the Iranian lomatic cooperation and multilateral the alleged ideological leader of the group. regime’s efforts to expand its influence in agreements on energy and industry. At year’s end, both suspects remained in jail Latin America; Iranian involvement, Mr. Speaker, in and prosecutors were pressing terrorism (2) supports the existing counterterrorism Latin America is not new, as we all charges against them’’; efforts of Latin American countries, includ- know. In 1994, Iran and its proxy ter- Whereas Hizbollah, Iran’s proxy terrorist ing the successful counterterrorism efforts of group, executed the deadliest terrorist at- the 3+1 Group (consisting of Brazil, Argen- rorist group, Hezbollah, were involved tack against Americans abroad since World tina, Paraguay, and the United States); in planning the bombing of the AMIA War II, the 1983 suicide bombing of a United (3) emphasizes the importance of elimi- Jewish Cultural Center in Buenos States Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, nating Hizbollah’s financial network in the Aires, where 85 people lost their lives that killed 241 American servicemen; tri-border region of South America where in the bombing. Whereas Iran and Hizbollah were involved Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina meet and In fact, just last week I met with the in the two deadliest terrorist attacks in Ar- throughout the Western Hemisphere; U.S. Ambassador to Argentina, who up- gentina: the March 1992 bombing of the (4) commends and supports the efforts of dated me on Argentina’s progress on Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, individual countries and regional bodies in which killed 29 people and the July 1994 at- the Western Hemisphere that have led efforts the AMIA bombings. tack against the Argentine-Israeli Mutual to eliminate terrorist financing and other Hezbollah remains operational in Association (AMIA), which killed 85 people; terrorist operations; parts of Latin America, and they con- Whereas the Government of Argentina is (5) calls on the United States Government tinue to fundraise for their global oper- currently seeking legal action against the to work with governments in the Western ations.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:03 Nov 06, 2007 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K05NO7.018 H05NOPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE November 5, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H12467 The United States must do every- Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield also have on the horizon, as we all thing we can to help Latin America as much time as he would like to the know, in this hemisphere both the Pan- crack down on terrorist groups in the gentleman from California (Mr. ama and the Colombia free trade agree- region, both through joint military ex- DREIER). ments. ercises and through legislation, giving Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I again And so I will say, Mr. Speaker, I to governments new tools to eliminate thank my friend from Arkansas for think this resolution is very timely. I the terrorist threats. yielding, and I thank the gentleman congratulate my friends for under- I strongly urge passage of this timely from New York for his very thoughtful scoring the importance of this. And I resolution. remarks on this important resolution. hope that a by-product of it will be the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of I rise in strong support of it. recognition that working with our al- my time. I think that both my friends from lies in this region to develop even Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield New York and Arkansas have under- stronger economic ties should be the myself such time as I may consume. scored the grave concern that we have next step for us to take. I welcome the focus this bill places about Iran’s entry into this hemi- Again, I urge strong support of this on the growing influence of Iran in sphere, and especially in the remarks resolution. Latin America. Because Iran is the offered by the gentleman from Arkan- Mr. MACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ex- leading state sponsor of terrorism, we sas, Mr. Speaker, he underscored this press my support for House Resolution 435, dare not lose sight of its increasing nexus which has been developed by concerning Iran’s growing influence in Latin presence and activities in the region, Hugo Chavez in Caracas, Venezuela and America. nor can we forget its past trans- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. I also want to thank my colleague from Flor- gressions. Now, what is it that we have seen? One year ago, Argentina’s State ida, Congressman RON KLEIN, for all of his Obviously there are a great deal of dif- Prosecutor concluded that the horrific hard work on this resolution. ferences that exist when it comes to 1994 AMIA bombing was ‘‘decided and He is passionate about Latin America and it the vision that a Hugo Chavez would organized by the highest leaders of the has been a pleasure to work with you to get have and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad would former government of Iran.’’ this important resolution to the floor today. Yet, somehow the leader of Iran con- have. But they have rallied around one This resolution, which has garnered wide, tinues to be warmly received by many particular point, and that is, virulent bi-partisan support, formally expresses what in the hemisphere. In fact, he has found opposition to everything that the many of us have known for quite some time: much strength in his friendship formed United States of America stands for. Iran’s growing ties and meddling in Latin with Hugo Chavez, Ahmadinejad’s key Both of them have been hypercritical America is a grave concern for us all. ally in the region. of the United States and our policies There is no doubt that Iran has given stra- The implications of Iran’s presence in and the cause of freedom, quite frank- tegic, financial, logistical, and tactical support Latin America are disconcerting in ly, based on what we’ve seen in both and safe haven to terrorists groups such as themselves. When partnered with the countries. Hezbollah and others. power of Venezuela’s petroleum, it is The thing that is most troubling is And, according to military leaders at U.S. truly a cause for alarm and concern. the fact that Mr. Chavez has had this Southern Command, there is no doubt that Is- Ahmadinejad has capitalized on his pattern of inviting Mr. Ahmadinejad lamic terrorist groups, such as Hezbollah, relationship with Chavez to inject his into this hemisphere and, basically, have infiltrated indigenous groups throughout influence throughout the hemisphere, continuing to promote the anti-Amer- significant areas of Latin America in order to recently signing a cooperation agree- ican sentiment. And it is cause for con- develop terrorist networks throughout the re- ment worth $1 billion with Bolivia, and cern, and I believe this resolution is gion. is reportedly making plans to establish very important. Of particular concern to me is the growing an embassy for the first time in Quito, Mr. Chavez took Mr. Ahmadinejad to and burgeoning friendship between Iran’s Ecuador. the inauguration of Rafael Correa in Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Venezuelan Furthermore, the disturbing alliance Quito, Ecuador. And again, as my President Hugo Chavez. between Venezuela, Iran and Cuba can- friend from Arkansas has just said, the Iran, in my opinion, is seeking to do in Ven- not be ignored. The radical efforts of prospect of an Iranian Embassy open- ezuela what the former Soviet Union did in Ahmadinejad, Chavez and Castro to ing in Quito is something that’s very Cuba: establish a base of operations in the stir anti-U.S. resentment in the region troubling. Western Hemisphere in order to foment hatred and support for anti-American regimes Similarly, he took him to meet with and instability throughout the region. across the hemisphere are an increas- Evo Morales, the President of Bolivia, This should cause great alarm for us all. ing and undeniable threat to our secu- again, a very, very troubling sign. And But this problem is bigger than Iran and rity. For this reason, we must remain I will say, quite frankly, I am even con- Venezuela alone. vigilant in our attention to the hemi- cerned about, while we’ve heralded the For far too long we have ignored growing sphere and be sincere in our efforts to election that took place a week ago unrest and loss of freedoms and the founda- strengthen our relationships with the yesterday in Argentina, I do believe tions for democracy throughout Latin America. nations of Latin America. that there is reason for concern of the I have publicly and privately urged this ad- I commend the efforts being taken by potential for this linkage there that ministration and Congress to embrace our al- the U.S. and our partners in Latin exists. I think it’s very exciting to see lies and do more throughout the region. America to combat terrorist activities. Cristina Kirchner become the Presi- Our neglect has allowed leaders such as However, we must recognize that if the dent, succeeding her husband in Argen- President Chavez to whip up opposition to the U.S. is to support the efforts of our tina, but I do believe that we need to United States. friends in the region, we must support remain very vigilant in looking at this And further neglect, should we not act now them wholeheartedly. We cannot con- linkage between Hugo Chavez, to support our friends in the region, will allow tinue to send mixed signals. Denying Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and others Iran and others to continue to grow their ter- free trade agreements with Colombia, within this hemisphere. rorist networks throughout Latin America. while calling for increased cooperation I would also like to laud my col- Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to on any front is not good, fair or effec- league from Arkansas for underscoring support this important resolution. tive policy. the importance of continuing to build Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, having I thank my colleague for introducing our economic alliances with those no further speakers, I yield back the this measure and look forward to addi- countries in the hemisphere that are balance of my time. tional efforts by Congress to com- committed to political pluralism, the Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I have no prehensively support our security in development of democratic institu- further requests for time, and I yield the Western Hemisphere. tions, the rule of law and self-deter- back the balance of my time. Again, I have one more speaker, Mr. mination. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ENGEL. We are on the verge, this week, we’re question is on the motion offered by Mr. ENGEL. I reserve the balance of going to be addressing the issue of a the gentleman from New York (Mr. my time. U.S.-Peru free trade agreement. We ENGEL) that the House suspend the

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I welcome the table. (3) commemorates the first bilateral ex- this development in our bilateral rela- f change of Ambassadors in the history of our tions, and look forward to ever closer RECOGNIZING THE CLOSE RELA- long relationship. cooperation with our European ally. TIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- I urge my colleagues to join me in STATES AND THE REPUBLIC OF ant to the rule, the gentleman from supporting this resolution which recog- SAN MARINO New York (Mr. ENGEL) and the gen- nizes the close relationship between tleman from Arkansas (Mr. BOOZMAN) our two countries, expresses gratitude Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I move to each will control 20 minutes. to San Marino for its friendship and suspend the rules and agree to the con- The Chair recognizes the gentleman support, and commemorates the first current resolution (H. Con. Res. 236) from New York. ever exchange of ambassadors. recognizing the close relationship be- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of tween the United States and the Re- GENERAL LEAVE Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- my time. public of San Marino, as amended. Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield The Clerk read the title of the con- imous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- myself such time as I may consume. current resolution. Mr. Speaker, let’s take a moment to tend their remarks and include extra- The text of the concurrent resolution recognize an ally whose relationship neous material on the resolution under is as follows: with the United States certainly ex- consideration. H. CON. RES. 236 ceeds its size. Completely surrounded The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Whereas the Republic of San Marino is the by Italy, the European microstate of objection to the request of the gen- oldest republic in the world; San Marino has the smallest popu- Whereas the Republic of San Marino was tleman from New York? founded by those fleeing the religious perse- There was no objection. lation of all the members of the Coun- cution of the Roman Empire, and has ad- Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in cil of Europe. Yet, San Marino has hered to the principles of tolerance and indi- strong support of this resolution and made a strong ally of the United vidual liberty throughout its history; yield myself as much time as I may States, most notably within a number Whereas the United States and the Repub- consume. of international institutions, including lic of San Marino have long held close ties the United Nations and the Inter- based on common interests and common val- I would like to thank my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from national Monetary Fund. In fact, the ues; U.S. and San Marino have collaborated Whereas the special bond between the Re- California (Mr. DREIER), for intro- public of San Marino and the United States ducing this resolution that recognizes closely on several key issues such as was first expressed nearly a century and a a small but important friend of the combating international terrorist fi- half ago in an exchange of letters between United States. nancing and protecting intellectual President Abraham Lincoln and the Captains It is often said, Mr. Speaker, that property rights. Regent of San Marino; good things come in small packages, Moreover, San Marino has been a Whereas President Lincoln expressed in his and in the case of San Marino, this is leader in promoting interreligious and letter his deep respect for the Republic of intercultural dialogue within the Euro- San Marino as ‘‘one of the most honored in certainly true. San Marino is the third smallest country in Europe, only Vati- pean Union. The value of our relation- all of history’’ and took encouragement from ship was marked earlier this year by its example that a ‘‘government founded on can City and Monaco being smaller. republican principles is capable of being so San Marino, which is home to 29,000 the first exchange of ambassadors be- administered as to be secure and enduring’’; inhabitants in a territory one-third the tween the U.S. and San Marino. Whereas the Republic of San Marino has size of the District of Columbia, at- I, therefore, ask my colleagues to been a steadfast ally of the United States in tracts several million visitors a year. join me in supporting Ranking Member many international organizations, such as The tourist industry makes up over 50 DREIER’s H. Con. Res. 236, recognizing the United Nations and the International our close relationship with the Repub- Monetary Fund; percent of the country’s GDP. San Marino is said to be the oldest lic of San Marino. Whereas the Republic of San Marino has Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve been a close collaborator on a number of key republic in the world. It was founded in 301 A.D. by Marinus of Rab, a Christian my time. economic issues, such as the protection of in- Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield tellectual property; fleeing from religious persecution by to the author of this resolution, the Whereas the Republic of San Marino has the Roman Emperor. gentleman from California (Mr. been a close collaborator in the fight against Its constitution, which dates back to terrorism, including efforts to combat inter- DREIER) such time as he may consume. 1600, is the world’s oldest written con- (Mr. DREIER asked and was given national terrorist financing; stitution, and remains in effect to this Whereas through its chairmanship of the permission to revise and extend his re- Committee of Ministers of the Council of Eu- day. marks.) rope, the Republic of San Marino has worked San Marino has been an active player Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I want to to promote inter-religious and inter-cultural at the international level, including thank my colleagues, the gentleman the United Nations, International Mon- dialogue; from New York (Mr. ENGEL) and the Whereas earlier this year, the United etary Fund, and Council of Europe. gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. States and the Republic of San Marino up- Through these bodies, San Marino has graded their diplomatic relations to ambas- BOOZMAN), for their very thoughtful re- sought to promote interreligious and marks on this resolution. sador-level, and exchanged the first bilateral intercultural dialogue, as well as the Ambassadors in our history; I also want to join in expressing my Whereas Paolo Rondelli, the first Ambas- protection of intellectual property. appreciation to my fellow Californian, sador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of San Marino has also cultivated a the distinguished Chair of the Com- the Republic of San Marino to the United close friendship with the United States mittee on Foreign Affairs, Mr. LANTOS States, presented his credentials to Presi- based on our shared values and inter- and, of course, the ranking Republican, dent Bush at a ceremony at the White House ests. This relationship was first ex- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. on July 25, 2007; and pressed when President Abraham Lin- Whereas the Honorable Ronald P. Spogli coln exchanged letters with the Cap- b 1500 presented credentials to the Captains Regent tains Regent of San Marino. I think both of the sets of remarks (co-Heads of State) in a ceremony in San Nearly 150 years after these letters offered underscore something that is Marino’s Palazzo Publico on March 8, 2007: Now, therefore, be it were sent, the United States and San extraordinarily important, and that is Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Marino upgraded their bilateral rela- that we thank and express our appre- Senate concurring), That Congress— tions to include the first ever exchange ciation to our allies, no matter how

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