[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Con. Res. 142 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
2d Session
S. CON. RES. 142
Recognizing the significant achievements of the people and Government
of Afghanistan since the Emergency Loya Jirga was held in June 2002 in
establishing the foundation and means to hold presidential elections on
October 9, 2004.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
October 8, 2004
Mr. Hagel (for himself, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Biden, Mr. Leahy, Mr. McCain,
Mr. Sununu, and Mr. Dodd) submitted the following concurrent
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
_______________________________________________________________________
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Recognizing the significant achievements of the people and Government
of Afghanistan since the Emergency Loya Jirga was held in June 2002 in
establishing the foundation and means to hold presidential elections on
October 9, 2004.
Whereas section 101(1) of the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002 (22 U.S.C.
7511(1)) declares that the ``United States and the international
community should support efforts that advance the development of
democratic civil authorities and institutions in Afghanistan and the
establishment of a new broad-based, multi-ethnic, gender-sensitive, and
fully representative government in Afghanistan'';
Whereas on January 4, 2004, the Constitutional Loya Jirga of Afghanistan adopted
a constitution that promises free elections with full participation by
women and establishes a legislative foundation for democracy in
Afghanistan;
Whereas on June 15, 2004, President Bush stated that ``Afghanistan's journey to
democracy and peace deserves the support and respect of every nation. .
. . The world and the United States stand with [the people of
Afghanistan] as partners in their quest for peace and prosperity and
stability and democracy.'';
Whereas the independent Joint Electoral Management Body in Afghanistan and
thousands of its staff throughout Afghanistan have worked to register
voters and organize a fair and transparent election process despite
violent and deadly attacks on them and on the purpose of their work;
Whereas more than 10,500,000 Afghans have been reported registered to vote,
demonstrating great courage and a deep desire to have a voice in the
future of Afghanistan, and more than 40 percent of those reported
registered to vote are women;
Whereas the presidential election campaign in Afghanistan officially began on
September 7, 2004, and 18 candidates, including one woman, are seeking
the presidency;
Whereas on October 9, 2004, the people of Afghanistan will vote in the first
direct presidential election, at the national level, in Afghanistan's
history at 5,000 polling centers located throughout Afghanistan, as well
as polling centers in Pakistan and Iran;
Whereas the United States, the European Union, the Organization for Security and
Co-operation in Europe, and the Asian Network for Free Elections will
send monitors and support teams to join the more than 4,000 domestic
election observers in Afghanistan for the presidential election;
Whereas the United States and many international partners have provided
technical assistance and financial support for elections in Afghanistan;
and
Whereas the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), led by the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and coalition forces will join the
Afghan National Army and police in Afghanistan to help provide security
during the presidential election: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring),
That--
(1) the United States applauds the steadfast commitment of
the people of Afghanistan to achieve responsive and responsible
government through democracy;
(2) the United States strongly supports self-government and
the protection of human rights and freedom of conscience for
all men and women in Afghanistan; and
(3) the United States remains committed to a long-term
partnership with the people of Afghanistan and to a peaceful
future for Afghanistan.
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