*EPF505 03/22/2002
Text: Resolution Hails Visit of New Zealand Prime Minister to U.S.
(Points to Wellington's support in war on terrorism) (700)

Representative James Leach (Republican of Iowa), the chairman of the House International Relations Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, introduced a resolution into the House of Representatives March 20 welcoming the upcoming visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark to the United States.

House Concurrent Resolution 366 (H. Con. Res. 366) also expresses gratitude to New Zealand "for its expressions of sympathy for the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and its demonstrated willingness to fully cooperate with the United States in the campaign against terrorism."

H. Con. Res. 366 reaffirms commitment to "the continuing expansion of friendship and cooperation between the United States and New Zealand."

The proposed resolution was referred to the House International Relations Committee.

Following is the text of House Concurrent Resolution 366 from the Congressional Record:

(begin text)

107th CONGRESS
2d Session

H. CON. RES. 366

Expressing the sense of Congress to welcome the Prime Minister of New
Zealand, the Right Honorable Helen Clark, on the occasion of her visit to
the United States, to express gratitude to the Government of New Zealand
for its cooperation with the United States in the campaign against
terrorism; and to reaffirm commitment to the continuing expansion of
friendship and cooperation between the United States and New Zealand.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MARCH 20, 2002

Mr. LEACH submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred
to the Committee on International Relations

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of Congress to welcome the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Right Honorable Helen Clark, on the occasion of her visit to the United States, to express gratitude to the Government of New Zealand for its cooperation with the United States in the campaign against terrorism; and to reaffirm commitment to the continuing expansion of friendship and cooperation between the United States and New Zealand.

Whereas Congress is pleased to welcome the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Right Honorable Helen Clark, on her visit to the United States;

Whereas the United States and New Zealand are two of the world's oldest democracies;

Whereas the United States and New Zealand have a strong natural friendship rooted in our common and unyielding commitment to democracy and freedom, and a belief that such principles are worth defending;

Whereas the Government and people of New Zealand reacted with outrage and deep sympathy for the people of the United States in response to the terrible events of September 11, 2001;

Whereas New Zealand, which has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States in defense of our common ideals in virtually every major conflict of the last 100 years, is now joined with the United States in the struggle against terrorism, offering political, intelligence and military (including special forces) support;

Whereas the Government of New Zealand sent military forces to Afghanistan;

Whereas the relationship between the United States and New Zealand extends beyond the current campaign against terrorism and is based on common values, mutual respect, an enduring friendship between our two peoples, and a shared desire to see the world at peace in which all peoples can enjoy the benefits of democratic governance, fundamental human rights, and economic prosperity; and

Whereas this relationship touches on almost every field of international endeavor including a commitment to foster together a stronger and more open international trading system, cooperation on regional and international environment issues and human rights, a joint effort in supporting our respective Antarctic programs, and common membership of key international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization:

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That it is the sense of Congress--

(1) to welcome the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark, to the United States;

(2) to express profound gratitude to the Government of New Zealand for its expressions of sympathy for the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and its demonstrated willingness to fully cooperate with the United States in the campaign against terrorism; and

(3) to reaffirm commitment to the continuing expansion of friendship and cooperation between the United States and New Zealand.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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