Dearborn City Council's Gaza Resolution

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL
OF THE
CITY OF DEARBORN

January 22, 2009

The Council convened at 5:35 P.M., President of the Council Thomas P. Tafelski presiding. Present at roll call were Councilmembers Abraham, Darany, Hubbard, Sareini, Shooshanian and President of the Council Tafelski. Absent: Councilmember Thomas. A quorum being present, the Council was declared in session.

DATE : January 21, 2009
TO : City Clerk
FROM : City Council
SUBJECT : Special Council Meeting

You are hereby requested to call a Special Meeting of the City Council to be held on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 5:25 P.M. in the Mayor's Conference Room of the City Hall for the following purposes:

1. Take action on a proposed resolution concerning the violence in Gaza.
2. To consider such other items of business that may properly come before the Council in relation to the above subject matters.

S/Suzanne Sareini
Councilmember
S/Nancy A. Hubbard
Councilmember

By Sareini supported by Darany.

1-63-09. WHEREAS: The citizens of Dearborn represent a diverse population with a strong interest in upholding principles of democracy and respect for all peoples, and

WHEREAS: The Dearborn City Council affirms its support of a Universal Declaration of Human Rights, principles of international law and of peaceful alternatives to war, and

WHEREAS: Access to humanitarian aid is essential to all people who are victims of catastrophe whether from natural or human acts and they should never be denied aid and assistance, particularly by those responsible, and

WHEREAS: The U.N. Security Council approved a resolution calling for an immediate and durable cease-fire between Hamas and Israeli forces in Gaza and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, has called for a permanent cease-fire, and

WHEREAS: The new President of the United States, Barak Obama, has announced that the guiding principles for U.S. engagement in international affairs will be the justness of our cause, the force of example and the tempering qualities of humility and restraint, and

WHEREAS: President Obama cautioned leaders around the globe that their people will judge them on what they can build and not what they destroy; now, therefore,

be it RESOLVED: That the Dearborn City Council hereby goes on record recognizing the grievous impact of the loss of lives in this conflict on families and communities, and mourning those lives lost on both sides of the conflict, now condemns the attacks on civilians, the massive loss of life and the destruction of property, and asks that the U.S. immediately intervene to build a lasting and just peace in the Middle East that recognizes the rights of sovereignty and self-determination for all people;

be it further RESOLVED: That the Dearborn City Council urges the United States government to press for: access to Gaza for journalists; access to Gazans to humanitarian aid; a long-term truce and an end to the economic blockade of the Gaza Strip and an increased flow of goods and people between Gaza and the outside world particularly including Egypt and Israel, a long-term negotiated peace ad a two-state solution that acknowledges the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and freedom;

be it further RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and is hereby authorized and directed to forward a suitably embossed copy of this resolution to President Obama and the Secretaries of State and Defense;

be it further RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and is hereby authorized and directed to forward a suitably embossed copy of this resolution to the Michigan Congressional Delegation;

be it further RESOLVED: That this resolution be given immediate effect.

The resolution was adopted as follows: Yeas: Abraham, Darany, Hubbard, Sareini, Shooshanian and Tafelski (6). Nays: None. Absent: Thomas (1).

There being no further business, upon a motion duly made, seconded, and adopted, the Council then adjourned at 5:56 P.M.

APPROVED:
THOMAS P. TAFELSKI
President of the Council

ATTESTED:
KATHLEEN BUDA
City Clerk