HR0176 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0176 LRB103 31693 MST 60224 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Free Republic of Liberland was proclaimed on April 13, 2015 upon Terra Nullius, a parcel of land unclaimed by any other nation or private entity since the dissolution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1991; and

WHEREAS, Liberland meets the criteria for statehood as codified in the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States, a treatise that has been ratified by the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, Liberland's constitution and systems of governance have been established with significant guidance from the writings of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and other founders of the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, The foreign ministry of Liberland has continuously and publicly expressed its aspirations for strong, peaceful, and mutually-beneficial relations with the United States; and

WHEREAS, All cabinet members of Liberland have proclaimed the continued maintenance of peace in the Balkan Peninsula as a vital national interest; and

WHEREAS, Liberland is committed to be a catalyst for economic development, free trade, and investment, both within its borders and throughout the Balkan region; and

WHEREAS, The primary domestic foundation of Liberland's government is the preservation of the inherent natural rights and individual liberties of its citizens, residents, visitors, and guests; and

WHEREAS, Welcoming Liberland into the community of nations will further the vision of the State of Illinois to secure the freedoms of self-determination for all peoples; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we encourage the further development of Liberland and the efforts of its government and citizens to establish a new partner in guaranteeing the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we request the President of the United States, the Secretary of the State, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to consider recognizing the Free Republic of Liberland; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to President Vit Jedlicka, President of the Free Republic of Liberland, as a symbol of our esteem and respect.