March 05, 2010

Senate passes Lugar, Kerry resolution expressing solidarity with Chile following the massive earthquake

The U.S. Senate passed a resolution expressing profound concern, deepest sympathies, and solidarity on behalf of the people of the United States to the people and Government of Chile following the massive earthquake.

The resolution (S.Res.431), introduced by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Dick Lugar (R-IN) and Chairman John Kerry (D-MA), states that the United States Senate:

applauds the friendship between the Governments and people of the United States and Chile and recommits to mutually beneficial cooperation in bilateral, multilateral, and hemispheric contexts;
strongly encourages the United States Government, with full consideration of the necessary institutional instruments, to offer all appropriate assistance, if requested by the Government of Chile, to aid in the immediate rescue and ongoing recovery efforts undertaken by the Government of Chile; and
encourages the international community to join in relief efforts as determined by the Government of Chile.

“When I heard about the earthquake and the devastation it has caused, I was especially saddened. My deep interest in Chile began 21 years ago with the late Senator Kennedy when we established the U.S. Committee for Free Elections in Chile, which helped to usher in the return of democracy. I also led ratification of the United States – Chile Free Trade Agreement in 2004,” Lugar said. “Chile has been a beacon of prosperity in a turbulent region and I am confident the people and institutions will fully rebound.”

“This is a time for solidarity and to make clear the United States stands with President Bachelet and the Chilean people at a moment of gut-wrenching suffering,” said Chairman Kerry. “The people of Chile should know that the United States is committed to assist the response and relief effort in any way we can, and that we applaud President Bachelet’s steadfast leadership.”

# # #