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f LO .frp OF S.VEi R. City of Sunny Isles Beach 18070 Collins Avenue Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160 (305) 947-0606 City Hall (305) 949-3113 Fax MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners FROM: Larisa Svechin, Mayor DATE: September 19, 2024 RE: Resolution Prohibiting the Establishment of -Sister-City Relationships with Cities Located in Countries Supporting or Sponsoring Terrorism or that Legitimize Terrorist States or Territories Controlled by Terrorist Organizations RECOMMENDATION: This Resolution is presented for your consideration. REASONS: Sister Cities International, based in Washington, D.C., formally recognizes sister city relationships worldwide to foster global cooperation, cultural understanding, and economic development at the municipal level. On May 28, 2024, Spain, Norway, and Ireland officially recognized a Palestinian State, an action condemned by Israel's Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, as inciting genocide and war crimes. The United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Japan, Canada, and the European Union have not granted unilateral recognition to a Palestinian State, citing that Palestine does not meet the traditional international standards for statehood, which include a permanent population, defined territory, government, and the ability to engage in international relations. Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union, holds significant power within the Palestinian government and controls the Gaza Strip. By way of this Resolution, the City Commission states its refusal to enter into sister city relationships with cities in countries like Spain, Norway, and Ireland, which recognize and legitimize terrorist organizations which do not align with the City's well-established support of Israel and its historical territorial boundaries, and contravene the principles of Sister Cities International. ATTACHMENTS: Item Number: 10.X 387