New House Resolution on Brit Soldiers

On March 26, Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Rep. Robert Andrews introduced a resolution calling for the release of British troops taken captive in the Persian Gulf and calling on the United Nations Security Council to condemn the kidnapping and explore new sanctions against Iran. Below is the text of the resolution.

H.L.C.
.....................................................................
(Original Signature of Member)
110TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. RES. ___

Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of British marines and
sailors held captive by Iran, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Mr. KIRK (for himself and Mr. ANDREWS) submitted the following resolution;
which was referred to the Committee on ______

RESOLUTION

Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of British
marines and sailors held captive by Iran, and for
other purposes.

Whereas on March 23, 2007, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy seized 15 British marines and sailors;

Whereas the British Navy personnel were engaged in routine boarding operations of merchant shipping in Iraqi territorial waters when they were accosted by Iranian vessels;

Whereas Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons in defiance of the international community continues to threaten America’s national security and Middle East regional stability;

Whereas the kidnapping of the British sailors came on the same day the United Nations Security Council introduced a new resolution to sanction the Government of Iran for its continued defiance of the International Atomic Energy Agency and its noncompliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons;

Whereas Great Britain remains one of the strongest allies of the United States and a partner in the Global War on Terror;

Whereas the Government of Iran’s decision to kidnap British marines and sailors in the Persian Gulf violates international law and militarizes commercial sea lanes;

Whereas the Government of Iran depends on the Persian Gulf waterway for delivery of imported gasoline;

Whereas mismanagement of Iran’s economy has resulted in a sprawling, inefficient state sector, high unemployment and inflation, and flight of foreign investment; and

Whereas if the supply of gasoline to Iran is restricted, the impact on Iran’s economy would be considerable:
Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) condemns the Islamic Republic of Iran for the seizure of 15 British marines and sailors and demands their unconditional release; and

(2) calls on the United Nations Security Council to condemn this kidnapping and explore new sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the restriction of the supply of gasoline, to prevent further Iranian hostile action, deny Iran’s ability to militarize the Persian Gulf, and enforce Iran’s nonproliferation commitments.