[Congressional Bills 105th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 135 Introduced in House (IH)]







105th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. CON. RES. 135

   Congratulating the people of the Republic of Liberia for holding 
                         multiparty elections.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             July 30, 1997

   Mr. Payne (for himself, Ms. Pelosi, and Mr. Owens) submitted the 
following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on 
                        International Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
   Congratulating the people of the Republic of Liberia for holding 
                         multiparty elections.

Whereas the people of Liberia have suffered during the 7-year civil war with 
        over 400,000 deaths and 2,300,000 displaced;
Whereas the war of April 6, 1996, marked the lowest time where war had 
        devastated and disrupted the livelihood of the people of Liberia;
Whereas the international community did not concentrate its efforts and 
        resources on the registration process;
Whereas the United States logistical training of some 500 policemen that 
        supported the electoral process was welcomed by the Liberian people;
Whereas almost 90 percent of the Liberian people came out to vote with the 
        highest turnout being women;
Whereas illiteracy by civil society contributed to problems with voting in the 
        rural areas;
Whereas the historic event of democratic multiparty elections was a vote for 
        ``peace'' and should be acknowledged as such;
Whereas election results of July 19, 1997, generally reflected the wishes of the 
        people; and
Whereas Charles Chankey Taylor was elected to the presidency by 75 percent of 
        the electorate: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That the Congress--
            (1) congratulates the people of Liberia for holding 
        multiparty presidential, legislative, and senatorial elections 
        by proportional representation;
            (2) congratulates ECOWAS and Independent Elections 
        Commission (IECOM) for their support during the elections;
            (3) encourages the people of Liberia to uphold peace and 
        continue to work together after taking the first critical step 
        of holding a democratic election;
            (4) encourages the United States to provide technical and 
        financial assistance when the country has shown improvements in 
        creating stability for its people;
            (5) strongly urges the international community to continue 
        to assist Liberia to disarm and demobilize and help with the 
        repatriation of refugees;
            (6) calls on all faction and opposition leaders to respect 
        the outcome of the elections and make a vow to peace and 
        stability of Liberia; and
            (7) calls on the newly elected President to respect the 
        rule of law and human rights.
                                 <all>