[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 98 (Friday, June 28, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S7310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 275--TO EXPRESS THE SENSE OF THE SENATE CONCERNING 
                              AFGHANISTAN

  Mr. BROWN submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on Foreign Relations:

                              S. Res. 275

       Whereas, prior to 1979, Afghanistan was a peaceful, united 
     country;
       Whereas, the successful fight of the brave men and women of 
     Afghanistan resisting the Soviet invasion and occupation of 
     1979-1989 was a significant element in the dissolution of the 
     Soviet empire;
       Whereas, the dissolution of the Soviet empire brought 
     freedom to the nations of central and eastern Europe as well 
     as to the nations of central Asia;
       Whereas, although many years after the Soviet withdrawal, 
     Afghanistan does not enjoy the peace it has earned;
       Whereas, the Untied Nations can play a unique and important 
     role in bringing an end to the conflict in Afghanistan;
       Whereas, recent meetings between members of Congress and 
     the representatives of the major Afghan factions indicate a 
     significant desire on the part of all parties to achieve a 
     peaceful resolution to the conflict in Afghanistan and the 
     establishment of an effective government that represents the 
     interests of the Afghan people;
       Therefore, it is the sense of the Senate that--
       (1) The courageous people of Afghanistan have earned the 
     world's respect and support for their epic struggle against 
     the forces of communism;
       (2) Resolving the continuing conflict in Afghanistan and 
     alleviating the accompanying humanitarian distress of the 
     Afghan people should be a top priority of the United States;
       (3) Outside interference and the provision of arms and 
     military supplies to the warring parties should be halted;
       (4) A unique moment in the Afghan civil war exists where 
     all major factions are searching for a peaceful solution to 
     the conflict;
       (5) The United States should urge the United Nations to 
     move quickly to appoint a special envoy to Afghanistan who 
     will act aggressively to assist the Afghans to achieve a 
     solution to the conflict acceptable to the Afghan people;
       (6) The United Nations should work to create the conditions 
     for a continuing dialogue among the Afghan factions.

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