[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 375 Introduced in House (IH)]







107th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 375

 Expressing the sense of the Congress in support of the people of Iran 
   and their legitimate quest for freedom, economic opportunity, and 
    friendship with the people of the United States, and for other 
                               purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             April 11, 2002

Mr. Gutknecht (for himself, Mr. Ehrlich, Mr. Rohrabacher, Mr. Ney, Mr. 
Smith of New Jersey, and Mr. Gilman) submitted the following concurrent 
   resolution; which was referred to the Committee on International 
                               Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
 Expressing the sense of the Congress in support of the people of Iran 
   and their legitimate quest for freedom, economic opportunity, and 
    friendship with the people of the United States, and for other 
                               purposes.

Whereas the first day of spring, celebrated by millions worldwide as Nowruz, the 
        Persian (Iranian) New Year, symbolizes renewal, birth, and new 
        beginnings;
Whereas the American people respect the Iranian people and value the 
        contribution that Iran's culture has made to world civilization over 
        three millennia;
Whereas the United States recognizes the legitimate aspiration of the Iranian 
        people for democracy, civil, political, and religious rights, and the 
        rule of law;
Whereas there exists a broad-based movement and desire for political change in 
        Iran that represents all sectors of Iranian society, including youth, 
        women, students, military personnel, and religious figures, and that is 
        pro-democratic, seeking freedom and economic opportunity;
Whereas the Iranian people have increasingly expressed frustration at the slow 
        pace of reform, while still pursuing nonviolent change in their society;
Whereas in four consecutive elections, the Iranian people have opted for 
        nonviolent reform;
Whereas following the tragedies of September 11, 2001, thousands of Iranians 
        filled the streets spontaneously and in solidarity with the United 
        States and the victims of the terrorist attacks; and
Whereas the people of Iran deserve the support of the American people: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That the Congress--
            (1) expresses its heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to 
        the courageous people of Iran for their brave expressions of 
        support following the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United 
        States;
            (2) recognizes and supports the people of Iran in their 
        daily struggle for democracy, reform, human rights, economic 
        prosperity, and the rule of law;
            (3) makes a clear distinction between the peace-loving 
        people of Iran, endowed with a rich culture and history, and 
        the unelected officials of Iran; and
            (4) urges the President of the United States--
                    (A) to engage with and support the people of Iran 
                and their legitimate aspiration for freedom and 
                democracy;
                    (B) to continue to pursue areas of common interest 
                with the people of Iran while taking an uncompromising 
                stance on terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and 
                the human rights of Iranian citizens; and
                    (C) to use all available diplomatic means to 
                support the Iranian people's demand for an immediate 
                release of all political prisoners and for removal of 
                the ban on freedom of the press.
                                 <all>