Nick Lampson: “today I rise to let my colleagues know of my introduction of a concurrent resolution in support of the United States…”

“today I rise to let my colleagues know of my introduction of a concurrent resolution in support of the United States Government becoming actively involved in the recovery and return of Ludwig Koons, a boy who was abducted to Italy by his mother. Ludwig, son of Jeffrey Koons, an award-winning, internationally renowned artist, was abducted to Italy by his mother, Ilona Staller, on June 9, 1994. Mr. Koons has filed a petition against the Republic of Italy with the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, and a preliminary decision regarding the admissibility of this petition is expected to be issued by the court in October 2001. I have respectfully requested that both the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of State file briefs in the European Court of Human Rights supporting Mr. Koons' petition, pursuant to article 36 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights of the Council of Europe, which states the United States has a right to intervene in proceedings before the European court in Strasbourg, promoted by its citizens seeking relief from human rights violations.”