NEWS

House Foreign Affairs Committee

U.S. House of Representatives

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Chairman

For IMMEDIATE Release – January 25, 2012

Bipartisan House Resolution Honoring Václav Havel and His Commitment to Freedom and Human Rights Introduced by Ros-Lehtinen

(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today introduced a resolution in the House honoring the life and legacy of Václav Havel, the former president of the Czech Republic who passed away on December 18, 2011.  Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

“Throughout his life, Václav Havel worked tirelessly for liberty and human rights.  His staunch opposition to communism helped the Czech people break free from communist rule and inspired democracy movements throughout Eastern Europe.  His commitment to his country, freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and free enterprise will forever be remembered throughout the world.

“President Havel’s vision and passion for human rights firmly planted the tenets of democracy in the Czech Republic and provided a model of peace and stability for other countries throwing off the heavy yoke of communist rule. We must never forget the selflessness that he embodied and his advocacy for all oppressed people, including those living under the totalitarian regimes in Belarus, Burma, Iran, China, as well as in my native homeland, Cuba.

“As a dynamic advocate for the Cuban people, President Havel never shied away from calling the Cuban dictatorship what it was, a ruthless oppressive regime.  His establishment of the International Committee for Democracy in Cuba is a testament to his commitment to fight totalitarianism wherever it exists, and his belief that all people deserve to live in freedom.

“We must never forget Václav Havel, his accomplishments, and the ideals for which he struggled.  This resolution honors this great man, and his great legacy.  The best way to honor Václav Havel’s memory is to continue his struggle against tyranny and oppression.”

NOTE:  This resolution enjoys strong bipartisan support from U.S. Reps. Howard Berman (D-CA), Dan Burton (R-IN), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Connie Mack (R-FL), David Rivera (R-FL) and Albio Sires (D-NJ), who are original cosponsors of the measure. There is also a complimentary effort in the Senate to honor Vaclav Havel, led by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT).

#####