[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 84 (Monday, June 26, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S6494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 105--COMMENDING THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA 
 FOR ITS RENEWED COMMITMENT TO THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR IN AFGHANISTAN

  Mr. COLEMAN (for himself and Mr. Lugar) submitted the following 
concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign 
Relations:

                            S. Con. Res. 105

       Whereas twenty-four Canadian citizens were killed as a 
     result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the 
     United States;
       Whereas the people of Gander, Newfoundland, provided food, 
     clothing, and shelter to thousands of stranded passengers and 
     temporary aircraft parking to thirty-nine planes diverted 
     from United States airspace as a result of the September 11, 
     2001, terrorist attacks on the United States;
       Whereas the Government of Canada, as led by former Prime 
     Ministers Jean Jacques Chretien and Paul Martin and continued 
     by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, has provided humanitarian, 
     diplomatic, and security personnel on the invitation of the 
     Government of Afghanistan since 2001;
       Whereas Canada has pledged $650,000,000 in development aid 
     to Afghanistan;
       Whereas Afghanistan is Canada's largest recipient of 
     bilateral development aid;
       Whereas Canada has stationed approximately 2,300 defense 
     personnel who comprise Task Force Afghanistan, in order to 
     improve security in southern Afghanistan, particularly in the 
     province of Kandahar;
       Whereas Canada has over 70 diplomatic officers worldwide 
     who are dedicated to growing democracy and equality in 
     Afghanistan;
       Whereas at least seventeen Canadians have given the 
     ultimate sacrifice in the Global War on Terror;
       Whereas Canada's commitment to the Government of 
     Afghanistan, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hamid 
     Karzai, was due to expire in February 2007;
       Whereas on May 17, 2006, the Canadian Government led by 
     Prime Minister Stephen Harper requested that the Canadian 
     House of Commons extend Canada's commitment in the Global War 
     on Terror;
       Whereas on May 17, 2006, the Canadian Parliament voted to 
     extend peace and security operations in Afghanistan until 
     2009, to increase its development assistance by $310 million, 
     and to build a permanent and secure embassy in Afghanistan to 
     replace its current facility; and
       Whereas this was the latest sign of the renewed commitment 
     of numerous United States allies in the Global War on Terror: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) commends the Government of Canada for its renewed and 
     long-term commitment to the Global War on Terror;
       (2) commends the leadership of former Canadian Prime 
     Ministers Jean Jacques Chretien and Paul Martin and current 
     Prime Minister Stephen Harper for their steadfast commitment 
     to democracy, human rights, and freedom throughout the world;
       (3) commends the Government of Canada for working to secure 
     a democratic and equal Afghanistan;
       (4) commends the Government of Canada's commitment to 
     reducing poverty, aiding the counternarcotics efforts through 
     counterterrorism and counterinsurgency campaigns, and 
     ensuring a peaceful and terror-free Afghanistan;
       (5) commends the Government of Canada for its three-pronged 
     commitment to Afghanistan: diplomacy, development, and 
     defense; and
       (6) expresses the gratitude and appreciation of the United 
     States for Canada's enduring friendship and leadership in the 
     Global War on Terror in Afghanistan.

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