[Congressional Bills 105th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 373 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                        March 17, 1998.
Whereas Sir Ketumile Masire has been involved in politics in his country since 
        he co-founded the Bechuanaland Democratic Party (later the Botswana 
        Democratic Party) with Seretse Khama in 1962;
Whereas Sir Ketumile Masire was elected to Botswana's first Parliament in 1965, 
        later became Vice President under President Seretse Khama, and succeeded 
        President Khama as President upon his death in 1980;
Whereas under President Masire's administration Botswana has maintained a 
        successful multiparty constitutional democracy with regular free and 
        fair elections;
Whereas President Masire plans to retire from the presidency on March 31, 1998;
Whereas the Government of Botswana has worked constructively with the 
        Organization of African Unity, the Southern African Development 
        Community, and other organizations to promote democracy in Africa;
Whereas Botswana is a long standing friend of the United States and was selected 
        as the site of a major Voice of America radio relay station because of 
        its stability; and
Whereas President Clinton plans to enhance United States relations with Botswana 
        through an upcoming official visit to Botswana: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) commends the people of Botswana for their commitment to 
        democracy;
            (2) commends Sir Ketumile Masire for his long and distinguished 
        service to his country and the cause of democracy in Africa;
            (3) calls on President Masire's successor to pursue the course set 
        by President Masire by maintaining a democratic Botswana;
            (4) calls on the Government of Botswana to continue playing a 
        positive role in African and world affairs; and
            (5) encourages the Government of Botswana to continue promoting 
        peace, democracy, respect for human rights, and economic reform in 
        Africa.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.