[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 79 (Friday, June 8, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6015-S6016]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  STATEMENTS ON SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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    SENATE RESOLUTION 107--CONGRATULATING THE PEOPLE OF PERU ON THE 
         OCCASION OF THEIR DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS ON JUNE 3, 2001

  Mr. HELMS (for himself, Mr. Leahy, Mr. DeWine, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Chafee, 
and Mr. Torricelli) submitted the following resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations:

                              S. Res. 107

       Whereas the people of Peru have courageously struggled to 
     restore democracy and the rule of law following fraudulent 
     elections on May 28, 2000, and after more than a decade of 
     the systematic undermining of democratic institutions by the 
     Government of Alberto Fujimori;
       Whereas, in elections on April 8 and June 3, 2001, the 
     people of Peru held democratic multiparty elections to choose 
     their government;
       Whereas these elections were determined by domestic and 
     international observers to be free and fair and a legitimate 
     expression of the will of the people of Peru; and

[[Page S6016]]

       Whereas the 2001 elections form the foundation for a 
     genuinely democratic government that represents the will and 
     sovereignty of the people of Peru and that can be a 
     constructive partner with the United States in advancing 
     common interests in the Americas: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,

     SECTION 1. SENSE OF THE SENATE REGARDING THE DEMOCRATIC 
                   ELECTIONS IN PERU ON JUNE 3, 2001.

       (a) Congratulating the People of Peru.--The Senate, on 
     behalf of the people of the United States, hereby--
       (1) congratulates the people of Peru for the successful 
     completion of free and fair elections held on April 8 and 
     June 3, 2001, as well as for their courageous struggle to 
     restore democracy and the rule of law;
       (2) congratulates Alejandro Toledo for his election as 
     President of Peru and his continued strong commitment to 
     democracy;
       (3) congratulates Valentin Paniagua, current President of 
     Peru, for his commitment to ensuring a stable and peaceful 
     transition to democracy and the rule of law; and
       (4) congratulates the Organization of American States (OAS) 
     Electoral Observer Mission, led by Eduardo Stein, for its 
     service in promoting representative democracy in the Americas 
     by working to ensure free and fair elections in Peru.
       (b) Sense of the Senate.--It is the sense of the Senate 
     that --
       (1) the United States should expand its cooperation with 
     the Government of Peru to promote--
       (A) the strengthening of democratic institutions and the 
     rule of law in Peru; and
       (B) economic development and an improved quality of life 
     for citizens of both countries;
       (2) the governments of the United States and Peru should 
     act in solidarity to promote democracy and respect for human 
     rights in the Western Hemisphere and throughout the world;
       (3) the governments of the United States and Peru should 
     enhance cooperation to confront common threats such as 
     corruption and trafficking in illicit narcotics and arms; and
       (4) the United States Government should cooperate fully 
     with the Peruvian Government to bring to justice former 
     Peruvian officials involved in narcotics and arms trafficking 
     or other illicit activities.

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