44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

CREATING A STATE TO COUNTRY COMPACT BETWEEN NEW MEXICO AND VENEZUELA.

WHEREAS, New Mexico and Venezuela share a common Spanish history; and

WHEREAS, the cultures of New Mexico and Venezuela are similar; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico and Venezuela have a close relationship by virtue of their common dedicated work on the National Energy Council; and

WHEREAS, the senate president pro tempore, Manny M. Aragon, is currently chairman of the National Energy Council and Senator Joseph J. Carraro is a member of its executive committee, and both have established a close working relationship with the government of Venezuela; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico and Venezuela have similar energy interests with their oil and gas industries; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico and Venezuela have established a close working relationship with regard to matters of energy; and

WHEREAS, Venezuela was a close friend to New Mexico when it supplied oil during the organization of petroleum exporting countries oil embargo in 1973; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico and Venezuela have mutual interests regarding agriculture, economics, energy and social policy; and

WHEREAS, shared technologies would be beneficial to both New Mexico and Venezuela; and

WHEREAS, Venezuela has recently elected a new president and New Mexico wishes to create closer ties with the Venezuelan government;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that New Mexico invite Venezuela to join in a compact to share in endeavors and create closer ties; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the president of Venezuela, members of Venezuela's senate and chamber of deputies, the governor of New Mexico, members of the New Mexico legislature and the New Mexico secretary of state.