[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE STATE OF QATAR ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR HISTORIC 
                               ELECTIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 23, 1999

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to sponsor a concurrent 
resolution congratulating the State of Qatar and its citizens for their 
commitment to democratic ideals and women's suffrage on the occasion of 
Qatar's historic elections of a Central Municipal Council scheduled for 
March 8, 1999. Particularly, I thank the co-chairs of the Congressional 
Women's Caucus, Rep. Carolyn Maloney and Rep. Sue Kelly, for their 
support and cosponsorship of this resolution.
  His Highness, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar, 
issued a decree a number of years ago creating the Central Municipal 
Council. In the past year additional decisions about the elections were 
made, and Qatari women were granted the right to vote in this historic 
first municipal election and to run for office.
  Our colleagues agree that the United States highly values democracy 
and women's rights. Accordingly, the resolution applauds the Emir of 
Qatar, for his leadership, and commends the citizens of Qatar for 
participating in this important civic function. Clearly, this election 
will demonstrate the strength and diversity of the State of Qatar's 
commitment to democratic expression.
  The resolution also reaffirms that the United States is strongly 
committed to encouraging the suffrage of women, democratic ideals, and 
peaceful development throughout the Middle East. I request that the 
text of the resolution be printed at this point in the Congressional 
Record for our colleagues' review, and I urge their support for this 
initiative.

                            H. Con. Res. 35

       Whereas His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, 
     the Emir of Qatar, issued a decree creating a central 
     municipal council, the first of its kind in Qatar;
       Whereas on March 8, 1999, the people of the State of Qatar 
     will hold direct elections for a central municipal council;
       Whereas the central municipal council has been structured 
     to have members from 29 election districts serving 4-year 
     terms;
       Whereas Qatari women were granted the right to participate 
     in this historic first municipal election, both as candidates 
     and voters;
       Whereas this election demonstrates the strength and 
     diversity of the State of Qatar's commitment to democratic 
     expression;
       Whereas the United states highly values democracy and 
     women's rights;
       Whereas March 8 is recognized as International Women's Day, 
     and is an occasion to assess the progress of the advancement 
     of women and girls throughout the world; and
       Whereas this historic event of democratic elections and 
     women's suffrage in the State of Qatar should be honored: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That the Congress--
       (1) commends His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-
     Thani, the Emir of Qatar, for his leadership and commitment 
     to suffrage and the principles of democracy;
       (2) congratulates the citizens of the State of Qatar as 
     they celebrate the historic election for a central municipal 
     council on March 8, 1999; and
       (3) reaffirms that the United States is strongly committed 
     to encouraging the suffrage of women, democratic ideals, and 
     peaceful development throughout the middle East.

     

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