[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 35 Referred in Senate (RFS)]

  1st Session
H. CON. RES. 35


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             April 14, 1999

      Received and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
Congratulating the State of Qatar and its citizens for their commitment 
 to democratic ideals and women's suffrage on the occasion of Qatar's 
  historic elections of a central municipal council on March 8, 1999.

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.

            Passed the House of Representatives April 13, 1999.

            Attest:

                                                 JEFF TRANDAHL,

                                                                 Clerk.