109 HCON 353 EH: Commending the people of the Republic of Haiti for holding democratic elections on February 7, 2006, and congratulating President-elect Rene Garcia Preval on his victory in these elections. U.S. House of Representatives 0 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV 109th CONGRESS 2d Session H. CON. RES. 353 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Commending the people of the Republic of Haiti for holding democratic elections on February 7, 2006, and congratulating President-elect Rene Garcia Preval on his victory in these elections.

Whereas the Republic of Haiti held democratic presidential and legislative elections on February 7, 2006; Whereas reports indicate that the elections were peaceful and that 2.2 million Haitians—more than 60 percent of registered voters—participated in the elections; Whereas many Haitians walked miles on election day to reach a polling station and waited for hours in line to exercise their right to vote; Whereas the participation of an overwhelming number of Haitians in the elections demonstrates the commitment of the Haitian people to democracy; Whereas on February 16, 2006, Rene Garcia Preval was declared the winner of the presidential election with 51.15 percent of the vote; Whereas on February 23, 2006, the White House announced that President George W. Bush phoned President-elect Rene Garcia Preval to congratulate him on his victory in the elections and to discuss cooperation in Haiti’s economic development and the fight against the illegal drug trade; Whereas the elections of February 7, 2006, are a sign of hope for the future of the people of Haiti; Whereas violence and natural disasters have caused tremendous suffering and loss of life in Haiti; Whereas the people of Haiti would benefit from efforts to achieve national reconciliation; and Whereas the elected government of Haiti will need the support and assistance of the United States and the international community to ensure social and economic development and to improve the lives of the Haitian people: Now, therefore, be it

That Congress— (1)commends the people of the Republic of Haiti for holding democratic elections on February 7, 2006; (2) congratulates President-elect Rene Garcia Preval on his victory in these historic elections; and (3) pledges its support and assistance for national reconciliation, democracy, and development for the people of Haiti.

Passed the House of Representatives March 28, 2006.Karen L. HaasClerk.