Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project

Below is a copy of the resolution passed unanimously by the Minneapolis City Council on Friday, July 31:

Resolution

Of the City of Minneapolis

Hodges

Accepting an invitation from the City of Najaf, Iraq, to join in a Sister City Agreement, inviting the citizens of Najaf and Minneapolis to participate in the activities outlined in the agreement, and approving the plans of the Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project to develop the Sister City Agreement.

Whereas, many citizens of Minneapolis are eager to form a cultural and friendship connection with Iraq; and

Whereas, the Iraqi & American Reconciliation Project is an organization consisting of retired teachers, University faculty, and other professionals working to promote peace in Iraq; and

Whereas, the Iraqi & American Reconciliation Project has received assurances from the Mayor and Council of Najaf that the City would welcome a friendship with Minneapolis; and

Whereas, a sister city relationship between Minneapolis and Najaf will be in line with the goals of the Sister Cities International Muslim World Partnership Initiative; and

Whereas, given Najaf’s prominence in the Muslim world and concentration of medical specialists, universities, and other educational institutions, there are clearly many avenues for commercial initiatives between our two cities; and

Whereas, the Iraqi & American Reconciliation Project, in partnership with the University of Minnesota and Kufa University in Najaf, will host a delegation from Najaf in September of this year; and,

Whereas, a sister city relationship between Minneapolis and Najaf enjoys significant community support, including from Congressman Keith Ellison; and

Whereas, Najaf would be Minneapolis’ first sister city in the Middle East,

Now, Therefore Be It Resolved by the City Council of the City of Minneapolis:

That the City Council, on behalf of the people of Minneapolis, hereby approves the efforts of the Iraqi & American Reconciliation Project to develop a Sister City Agreement between the City of Minneapolis and Najaf, Iraq, for the purposes of creating greater mutual understanding between the peoples of our two cities and nations.

Be it further resolved that the Mayor of Minneapolis is hereby authorized to act for the City of Minneapolis to finalize this Agreement.

Be it further resolved that our local Najaf sister city organization, Iraqi & American Reconciliation Project, in cooperation with the Mayor and City Council, pursue the necessary steps to formalize the relationship between the two cities and to involve appropriate individuals, groups, and businesses in developing cultural, educational, technical and commercial exchanges.

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Barbara Johnson, President
Minneapolis City Council

_______________________
R.T Rybak, Mayor

Attest:

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Steve Ristuben, City Clerk