[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 19, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF CONCURRENT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE OF IRAN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Gutknecht) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. GUTKNECHT. Madam Speaker, I rise tonight to talk about a 
resolution which I have had drafted and will be introducing very 
shortly, and I hope my colleagues will join in supporting. I would like 
to read it tonight. It is a resolution supporting the people of Iran:
  ``Concurrent resolution, expressing the sense of Congress in support 
of the people of Iran and their legitimate quest for freedom, economic 
opportunity, and friendship with the people of the United States.
  ``Whereas, the first day of spring, celebrated by millions worldwide 
as Nowruz, the Persian Iranian New Year, symbolizes renewal, birth and 
new beginnings;
  ``Whereas, the people of the United States respect the Iranian people 
and value the contribution that Iran's culture has made to the world 
civilization over three millennia;
  ``Whereas, the United States recognizes the legitimate aspiration of 
the Iranian people for democratic, civil, political and religious 
rights and the rule of law;
  ``Whereas there exists a broad-based movement and desire for 
political change in Iran that represents all sectors of Iranian 
society, including youth, women, students, military personnel and 
religious figures and that is pro-democratic, seeking freedom and 
economic opportunity;
  ``Whereas, the Iranian people have increasingly expressed their 
frustration at the slow pace of reform while still pursuing nonviolent 
change in their society;
  ``Whereas, in four consecutive elections the Iranian people have 
opted for nonviolent reform;
  ``Whereas, following the tragedies of September 11, 2001, thousands 
of Iranians filled the streets spontaneously and in solidarity with the 
United States and the victims of the terrorist attacks; and
  ``Whereas, the people of Iran deserve the support of the American 
people.
  ``Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the 
Senate concurring, that the Congress of the United States expresses its 
heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the courageous people of Iran 
for their brave expressions of support following the September 11, 
2001, attacks on the United States;
  ``Two, recognizes and supports the people of Iran in their daily 
struggle for democracy, reform, human rights, economic prosperity and 
the rule of law;
  ``Three, makes a clear distinction between the peace-loving people of 
Iran, endowed with a rich culture and history and the unelected 
officials of Iran; and
  ``Four, urges the President of the United States to:
  ``A, engage and support the people of Iran in their legitimate 
aspiration for freedom and democracy;
  ``B, to continue to pursue areas of common interest with the people 
of Iran while taking an uncompromising stance on terrorism, weapons of 
mass destruction, and the human rights of Iranian citizens; and
  ``C, to use available diplomatic means to support the Iranian 
people's demand for an immediate release of all political prisoners and 
for the removal of the ban on the freedom of the press.''
  Madam Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this 
important resolution. We need to send a clear message that we stand 
with the freedom-loving people of Iran.

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