[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 9, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4734-S4735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SA 908. Mr. THUNE (for Mr. Cruz (for himself and Mr. Durbin))
proposed an amendment to the resolution S. Res. 188, encouraging a
swift transfer of power by the military to a civilian-led political
authority in the Republic of the Sudan, and for other purposes; as
follows:
Strike all after the resolving clause and insert the
following:
That the Senate--
(1) supports the African Union Peace and Security Council's
initial 2-week deadline urging a swift transfer of power by
the military to a civilian-led political authority in Sudan
that--
(A) has a civilian character and composition reflecting the
will of the Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces leading
negotiations on behalf of citizens; and
(B) immediately begins a transparent process leading to
credible elections and security sector reforms;
(2) calls on the ruling authorities in Sudan--
(A) to respect the right to freedom of association and
expression;
[[Page S4735]]
(B) to protect the rights of opposition political parties,
journalists, human rights defenders, religious minorities,
nongovernmental organizations, and civic movements to operate
without interference;
(C) to lift the bureaucratic restrictions on, and
facilitate access for, humanitarian relief operations;
(D) to introduce strong measures to create transparency and
address the structural corruption and kleptocracy of the
state;
(E) to pursue accountability for serious crimes and human
rights abuses by former President al-Bashir's regime and
permit international human rights monitors to deploy in Sudan
to examine the allegations of atrocities committed against
protesters and civilians during 2019;
(F) to release remaining political prisoners and refrain
from arbitrary arrest, detention, and torture; and
(G) to immediately restore Internet access and avoid
further denial of access to suppress the fundamental human
right of freedom of expression and association by Sudanese
citizens;
(3) urges the United States Government to lead in efforts
that advance a peaceful transfer of power and a civilian-led
transition period focused on creating the conditions under
which timely democratic elections can be held that will meet
international standards and be overseen by credible domestic
and international electoral observers, and for the peaceful
resolution of Sudan's conflicts;
(4) encourages the African Union and its member states to
continue supporting the Sudanese people's aspirations for
democracy, justice, and peace;
(5) expresses concern that the participation in the
transitional government of individuals who have been
implicated in possible war crimes would undermine efforts to
restore peace and democracy and pursue justice and
accountability in Sudan;
(6) emphasizes that until a transition to a credible
civilian-led government that reflects the aspirations of the
Sudanese people is established, the process to consider
removing Sudan from the State Sponsor of Terrorism List,
lifting any other remaining sanctions on Sudan, or
normalizing relations with the Government of Sudan will
continue to be suspended; and
(7) stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan and their
aspirations for a democratic, participatory government.
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