[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 143 (Wednesday, October 5, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
       SENSE OF THE SENATE WITH RESPECT TO ELECTIONS IN HONG KONG

  Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the consideration of calendar No. 695, Senate Resolution 
265, a resolution to express the sense of the Senate concerning 
elections in Hong Kong on September 18, 1994; that the resolution and 
the preamble be agreed to; the motions to reconsider be tabled, en 
bloc; and that any statements thereon appear in the Record at the 
appropriate place as though read.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  So the resolution (S. Res. 265) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, is as follows:

                              S. Res. 265

       Whereas the United States strongly supports the development 
     of effective, functioning democratic institutions worldwide;
       Whereas the government of Hong Kong successfully conducted 
     its first District Board elections on September 18th;
       Whereas voter registration for the September 18th district 
     council elections in Hong Kong was higher than ever before;
       Whereas the number of candidates running for District Board 
     positions is higher than in any previous election in Hong 
     Kong's history;
       Whereas Hong Kong has recently taken bold strides to 
     increase democracy and expand the rule of law;
       Whereas the rule of law is essential to the effective 
     functioning of a market economy;
       Whereas Hong Kong currently is one of the world's leading 
     market economies;
       Whereas recent electoral reforms in Hong Kong are 
     consistent with the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law for 
     Hong Kong;
       Whereas Hong Kong is an important friend and trading 
     partner of the United States;
       Whereas the people of the United States and Hong Kong have 
     long maintained close, friendly ties;
       Whereas the stability of Hong Kong and the continuance of 
     its special status are of great importance to the United 
     States;
       Whereas, to be effective, the rule of law must be firmly 
     based upon the consent of those it governs; and
       Whereas one of the most effective methods to protect 
     against corruption is to ensure a government that is 
     accountable to those it governs: Now, therefore be it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate:
       (1) Free and fair elections are an essential component of a 
     stable, democratic government in Hong Kong that is free from 
     corruption.
       (2) The people of Hong Kong should be congratulated for the 
     recent success of the District Board elections and for the 
     progress of democratic reforms that support the rule of law 
     in Hong Kong.
       (3) The United States should make every effort to support 
     the progress of democratic reforms in Hong Kong and to 
     encourage all parties to protect these gains as the 1997 
     transition approaches.

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