CORRECTED COPY - JOINT HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING GRATITUDE

UNCLAS KOROR 000040 CORRECTED COPY H PASS DEPT FOR EAP/ANP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL OVIP PS SUBJECT: CORRECTED COPY - JOINT HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING GRATITUDE TO THE UNITED STATES CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF PALAU REF: KOROR 38 ¶1. On March 9, post received a diplomatic note from the Ministry of State transmitting a copy of the House Joint Resolution No. 8-6-1S-CD1 of the Eighth Olbiil Era Kelulau (Palau National Congress),"Expressing deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Government of the United States of America for its invaluable contributions to the development of the Republic of Palau, and to express support for the Honorable Johnson Toribiong, President of the Republic of Palau, as he undertakes discussions with the United States officials regarding the Republic of Palau's relationship with the United States under the Compact of Free Association." ¶2. Text of the joint resolution is provided below: To express deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Government of the United States of America for its invaluable contributions to the development of the Republic of Palau, and to express support for the Honorable Johnson Toribiong, President of the Republic of Palau, as he undertakes discussions with United States officials regarding the Republic of Palau's relationship with the United States under the Compact of free Association. Whereas, in 1944, in a protracted battle which lasted three months and resulted in approximately 10,000 American casualties, including an estimated 2,275 who paid the ultimate price, and untold suffering to the people of Palau, the United States liberated Palau; and Whereas, after World War II, the United States of America generously agreed to become the trustee of Palau under the auspices of the United Nations and to foster the political and economic development and independence of Palau; and Whereas, sixty-five years after that fateful battle, Palau has risen from the debris and scars of war to become an independent and sovereign country in free association with the United States of America; and Whereas, since that time the Government of the United States of America has been instrumental to the development and progress of the Republic of Palau; and Whereas, support from the United States of America has allowed the citizens of the Republic of Palau to experience freedom, security and prosperity in greater measures; and Whereas, with guidance and encouragement from the United States of America, the Republic of Palau has flourished as a thriving democracy that respects human rights, upholds the rule of law, and takes a leadership role on many environmental issues; and Whereas, the Republic Palau is deeply committed to its relationship with the United States of America, as the United States of America is the Republic's most important partner, defender, and supporter; and Whereas, while the Republic of Palau is among the youngest and smallest nations in the world, it is located in the vast, strategic region of the Pacific, and remains committed to keeping its borders secure and being a strong ally to the United States of America in the global war on terror and the promotion of freedom and democracy; and Whereas, the Honorable Johnson Toribiong, President of the Republic of Palau, and other representatives of the Republic of Palau will soon meet with United States officials to discuss continuing support for the Republic of Palau from the United States of America; and Whereas, the Olbiil Era Kelulau recognizes the great importance of this task, and supports the President in this critical undertaking; and Whereas, the Republic of Palau is optimistic that continued assistance from and partnership with the United States of America will aid the Republic of Palau immensely as it strives to meet growing economic, environmental, and political challenges; now, therefore, Be it resolved, by the House of Delegates of the Eighth Olbiil Era Kelulau, First Special Session, March 2009, the Senate concurring, that the Olbiil Era Kelulau expresses it deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Government of the United States of America for its invaluable contributions to the development of the Republic Palau, and expresses support for the Honorable Johnson Toribiong, President of the Republic of Palau, as he undertakes discussions with United States officials regarding the Republic of Palau's relationship with the United States under the Compact of Free Association (COFA); and Be it further resolved, that certified copies of this Joint Resolution be transmitted to the Honorable Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, the Honorable Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State of the United States of America, the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Honorable Robert Byrd, President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate, the Honorable Johnson Toribiong, President of the Republic of Palau, and the Speaker of the House of Delegates and the President of the Senate of the Eighth Olbiil Era Kelulau. End text. ¶3. The resolution was adopted on March 6. ¶4. The certified copies of the resolution will be pouched to the Department. GEDACHT