[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 35 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]

        H.Con. Res.35
                                          Agreed to July 1, 1999        

                       One Hundred Sixth Congress

                                 of the

                        United States of America


                          AT THE FIRST SESSION

         Begun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday,
   the sixth day of January, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine


                          Concurrent Resolution


 


Whereas His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Emir of 
  Qatar, issued a decree creating a central municipal council, the 
  first of its kind in Qatar;

Whereas on March 8, 1999, the people of the State of Qatar held direct 
  elections for a central municipal council;

Whereas the central municipal council has been structured to have 
  members from 29 election districts serving 4-year terms;

Whereas Qatari women were granted the right to participate in this 
  historic first municipal election, both as candidates and voters;

Whereas this election demonstrates the strength and diversity of the 
  State of Qatar's commitment to democratic expression;

Whereas the United States highly values democracy and women's rights;

Whereas March 8 is recognized as International Women's Day, and is an 
  occasion to assess the progress of the advancement of women and girls 
  throughout the world; and

Whereas this historic event of democratic elections and women's 
  suffrage in the State of Qatar should be honored: Now, therefore, be 
  it

    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That the Congress--
        (1) commends His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, 
    the Emir of Qatar, for his leadership and commitment to suffrage 
    and the principles of democracy;
        (2) congratulates the citizens of the State of Qatar as they 
    celebrate the historic election for a central municipal council; 
    and
        (3) reaffirms that the United States is strongly committed to 
    encouraging the suffrage of women, democratic ideals, and peaceful 
    development throughout the Middle East.
  Attest:

                                 Clerk of the House of Representatives.

  Attest:

                                               Secretary of the Senate.