A concurrent resolution commending the Government of Canada for its renewed commitment to Afghanistan.

        [Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Con. Res. 109 Engrossed in Senate (ES)]

109th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. CON. RES. 109

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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Whereas twenty-four Canadian citizens were killed as a result of the September
11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States;
Whereas the people of Gander, Newfoundland, provided food, clothing, and shelter
to thousands of stranded passengers and temporary aircraft parking to
thirty-nine planes diverted from United States airspace as a result of
the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States;
Whereas the Government of Canada, as led by former Prime Ministers Jean Jacques
Chretien and Paul Martin and continued by Prime Minister Stephen Harper,
has provided humanitarian, diplomatic, and security personnel on the
invitation of the Government of Afghanistan since 2001;
Whereas Canada has pledged $650,000,000 in development aid to Afghanistan;
Whereas Afghanistan is Canada's largest recipient of bilateral development aid;
Whereas Canada has stationed approximately 2,300 defense personnel who comprise
Task Force Afghanistan, in order to improve security in southern
Afghanistan, particularly in the province of Kandahar;
Whereas Canada has over 70 diplomatic officers worldwide who are dedicated to
growing democracy and equality in Afghanistan;
Whereas at least seventeen Canadians have made the ultimate sacrifice in
operations in Afghanistan since September 11, 2001;
Whereas Canada's commitment to the Government of Afghanistan, under the
leadership of Prime Minister Hamid Karzai, was due to expire in February
2007;
Whereas on May 17, 2006, the Government of Canada led by Prime Minister Stephen
Harper requested that the Canadian House of Commons extend Canada's
commitment to peace and security operations in Afghanistan;
Whereas on May 17, 2006, the Canadian Parliament voted to extend peace and
security operations in Afghanistan until 2009, to increase its
development assistance by $310 million, and to build a permanent and
secure embassy in Afghanistan to replace its current facility; and
Whereas this was an important sign of the renewed commitment of numerous United
States allies to Afghanistan: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring),
That Congress--
(1) commends the Government of Canada for its renewed and
long-term commitment to Afghanistan;
(2) commends the leadership of former Canadian Prime
Ministers Jean Jacques Chretien and Paul Martin and current
Prime Minister Stephen Harper for their steadfast commitment to
democracy, human rights, and freedom throughout the world;
(3) commends the Government of Canada for working to secure
a democratic Afghanistan;
(4) commends the Government of Canada's commitment to
reducing poverty, aiding the counternarcotics efforts through
counterterrorism and counterinsurgency campaigns, and ensuring
a peaceful and terror-free Afghanistan;
(5) commends the Government of Canada for its three-pronged
commitment to Afghanistan: diplomacy, development, and defense;
and
(6) expresses the gratitude and appreciation of the United
States for Canada's enduring friendship and leadership in
Afghanistan.

Passed the Senate July 13, 2006.

Attest:

Secretary.
109th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. CON. RES. 109

_______________________________________________________________________

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Commending the Government of Canada for its renewed commitment to
Afghanistan.