[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Con. Res. 142 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

  2d Session
S. CON. RES. 142

 Recognizing the significant achievements of the people and Government 
of Afghanistan since the Emergency Loya Jirga was held in June 2002 in 
establishing the foundation and means to hold presidential elections on 
                            October 9, 2004.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            October 8, 2004

 Mr. Hagel (for himself, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Biden, Mr. Leahy, Mr. McCain, 
     Mr. Sununu, and Mr. Dodd) submitted the following concurrent 
  resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
 Recognizing the significant achievements of the people and Government 
of Afghanistan since the Emergency Loya Jirga was held in June 2002 in 
establishing the foundation and means to hold presidential elections on 
                            October 9, 2004.

Whereas section 101(1) of the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002 (22 U.S.C. 
        7511(1)) declares that the ``United States and the international 
        community should support efforts that advance the development of 
        democratic civil authorities and institutions in Afghanistan and the 
        establishment of a new broad-based, multi-ethnic, gender-sensitive, and 
        fully representative government in Afghanistan'';
Whereas on January 4, 2004, the Constitutional Loya Jirga of Afghanistan adopted 
        a constitution that promises free elections with full participation by 
        women and establishes a legislative foundation for democracy in 
        Afghanistan;
Whereas on June 15, 2004, President Bush stated that ``Afghanistan's journey to 
        democracy and peace deserves the support and respect of every nation. . 
        . . The world and the United States stand with [the people of 
        Afghanistan] as partners in their quest for peace and prosperity and 
        stability and democracy.'';
Whereas the independent Joint Electoral Management Body in Afghanistan and 
        thousands of its staff throughout Afghanistan have worked to register 
        voters and organize a fair and transparent election process despite 
        violent and deadly attacks on them and on the purpose of their work;
Whereas more than 10,500,000 Afghans have been reported registered to vote, 
        demonstrating great courage and a deep desire to have a voice in the 
        future of Afghanistan, and more than 40 percent of those reported 
        registered to vote are women;
Whereas the presidential election campaign in Afghanistan officially began on 
        September 7, 2004, and 18 candidates, including one woman, are seeking 
        the presidency;
Whereas on October 9, 2004, the people of Afghanistan will vote in the first 
        direct presidential election, at the national level, in Afghanistan's 
        history at 5,000 polling centers located throughout Afghanistan, as well 
        as polling centers in Pakistan and Iran;
Whereas the United States, the European Union, the Organization for Security and 
        Co-operation in Europe, and the Asian Network for Free Elections will 
        send monitors and support teams to join the more than 4,000 domestic 
        election observers in Afghanistan for the presidential election;
Whereas the United States and many international partners have provided 
        technical assistance and financial support for elections in Afghanistan; 
        and
Whereas the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), led by the North 
        Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and coalition forces will join the 
        Afghan National Army and police in Afghanistan to help provide security 
        during the presidential election: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), 
That--
            (1) the United States applauds the steadfast commitment of 
        the people of Afghanistan to achieve responsive and responsible 
        government through democracy;
            (2) the United States strongly supports self-government and 
        the protection of human rights and freedom of conscience for 
        all men and women in Afghanistan; and
            (3) the United States remains committed to a long-term 
        partnership with the people of Afghanistan and to a peaceful 
        future for Afghanistan.
                                 <all>