2005-0251
INTRODUCED BY: APRIL BLACK, COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT V
RESOLUTION NO. ________
title
A resolution to request the assistance of the United States Congressional Delegation to support H. R. 3358, a bill to provide for payment of certain claims against the Government of Iran.
Body
WHEREAS, on November 4, 1979, the Iranian militants seized the United States Embassy in Tehran, Iran, and held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days until their negotiated release on January 20, 1981; and,
WHEREAS, on January 19, 1981, the Department of State entered into a series of agreements with Iran that came to be known as the Algiers Accords. The Accords established the United States-Iran Claims Tribunal to adjudicate United States and Iranian commercial claims. The Accords, however, sought to preclude the 52 American hostages or their families from bringing suit against Iran for their seizure, detention, torture, and injuries; and,
WHEREAS, on December 29, 2000, the 52 American hostages and their spouses and children filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, pursuant to the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-132); and,
WHEREAS, on August 6, 2001, the District Court entered a default judgment against Iran after certifying the case as a class action; and,
WHEREAS, the Department of State moved to vacate the decision of the District Court, despite Iran's continued refusal to appear in court; and,
WHEREAS, in response to the motion to vacate by the Department of State, Congress amended the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 by adding language to allow the claim of the hostages to proceed to judgment. The accompanying Conference Report specifically stated that the amendment quashes the State Department's motion to vacate the judgment obtained by plaintiffs in Case Number 1:00CV03110 (ESG) in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia'; and,
WHEREAS, Congress furth...
Click here for full text