HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 96-4755, by Representatives Jacobsen, Foreman, Dickerson, Poulsen, Van Luven, Sherstad, Carlson, Ogden, Regala, B. Thomas, Cole, Tokuda, Blanton, Horn, Clements, Appelwick, Talcott, Lisk, Lambert, Radcliff, Hickel, Chandler, Sheahan, Buck, Cooke, Boldt, Veloria, Dyer, Conway, Elliot, Thompson and Scheuerman

     WHEREAS, The Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip signed on September 28, 1995, called for a strong effort to prevent terrorism and violence; and

     WHEREAS, The security annex to the agreement specifies the commitment of Israel and the Palestinian Council to cooperate in the fight against terrorism and the prevention of terrorist attacks; and

     WHEREAS, The Palestinian Council is empowered to exercise authority on these matters in areas under control of the Palestinian Authority; and

     WHEREAS, The tragic attacks in Jerusalem, Ashkelon, and Tel Aviv were committed by terrorists whose infrastructure is within the boundaries of the Palestinian Authority; and

     WHEREAS, Yasser Arafat was elected Chairman of the Palestinian Authority; and

     WHEREAS, The Palestinian Authority has control of areas from which terrorists operate and launch attacks against innocent civilians;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives respectfully request the President and Congress of the United States to urge Chairman Yasser Arafat to exercise his authority and leadership to enforce the provisions of the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement by moving forcefully to curtail terrorism; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Honorable William J. Clinton, President of the United States, and each member of Congress from the State of Washington.

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