Res. No. 1694 Title Resolution supporting the pending resolution in the United States House of Representatives called H.R. 5500, the "Justice for American Victims of Terrorism Act of 2000." Body By Council Members Fisher and Marshall; also Council Members Dear, DiBrienza, Foster, Koslowitz and Nelson Whereas, In the last fifty years numerous United States citizens have been injured or killed in terrorist attacks abroad; and Whereas, Under United States law, individuals who commit acts of international terrorism outside of the United States against nationals of the United States may be prosecuted for such acts in the United States; and Whereas, The United States has taken a special interest in resolving conflicts abroad, and has taken an active role in mediating conflict in several areas of the world, including the Middle-East, the Balkans, and Northern Ireland; and Whereas, In spite of diplomatic efforts and financial assistance, little has been done to apprehend, indict, prosecute, and convict individuals who have committed terrorist attacks against nationals of the United States; and Whereas, The United States House of Representatives has introduced House Resolution 5500, calling on the establishment of an office in the Department of Justice to monitor terrorist acts and related activities; and Whereas, The activates of this office in the Department of Justice would be empowered to perform the following tasks, but not limited to: 1. Monitor acts of international terrorism committed by known terrorist groups or by other individuals on their behalf. 2. Collect information against individuals alleged to have committed acts of international terrorism. 3. Offer rewards for information on individuals alleged to have committed acts of international terrorism, including the dissemination of information relating to such rewards in foreign language media. 4. Negotiate with the recognized entities abroad representing individuals involved with acts of international terrorism to obtain financial compensation for nationals of the United States, or their families, injured or killed by acts of terrorism abroad. 5. In conjunction with other appropriate Federal departments and agencies, establish and implement alternative methods to apprehend, indict, prosecute, and convict individuals who commit acts of terrorism abroad. 6. Contact the families of victims of acts of international terrorism and provide updates on the progress to apprehend, indict, prosecute, and convict the individuals who commit such acts. Whereas, The Council of the City of New York has passed numerous resolutions condemning acts of terror at home and abroad; and Whereas, Numerous residents of the City of New York have been victims of terrorist acts abroad; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York supports the pending resolution in the United States House of Representatives called H.R.5500, the "Justice for American Victims of Terrorism Act 2000." SF:bg LS#3811 Res.Disk#5 1/12/01 |10
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