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“SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 142--RELATING TO THE REESTABLISHMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN AFGHANISTAN” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Senate section on pages S9964 on Oct. 5, 2000.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 142--RELATING TO THE REESTABLISHMENT OF
REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN AFGHANISTAN
Mr. BROWNBACK (for himself and Mr. Torricelli) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations:
S. Con. Res. 142
Whereas Afghanistan has existed as a sovereign nation since 1747, maintaining its independence, neutrality, and dignity;
Whereas Afghanistan had maintained its own decisionmaking through a traditional process called a ``Loya Jirgah'', or Grand Assembly, by selecting, respecting, and following the decisions of their leaders;
Whereas recently warlords, factional leaders, and foreign regimes have laid siege to Afghanistan, leaving the landscape littered with landmines, making the most fundamental activities dangerous;
Whereas in recent years, and especially since the Taliban came to power in 1996, Afghanistan has become a haven for terrorist activity, has produced most of the world's opium supply, and has become infamous for its human rights abuses, particularly abuses against women and children;
Whereas the former King of Afghanistan, Mohammed Zahir Shah, ruled the country peacefully for 40 years, and after years in exile retains his popularity and support; and
Whereas former King Mohammed Zahir Shah plans to convene an emergency ``Loya Jirgah'' to reestablish a stable government, with no desire to regain power or reestablish a monarchy, and the Department of State supports such ongoing efforts: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That the United States--
(1) supports democratic efforts undertaken in Afghanistan that respect the human and political rights of the people of all ethnic and religious groups in that country, including the efforts to reestablish a ``Loya Jirgah'' process that would lead to the people of Afghanistan determining their own destiny through a democratic process involving free and fair elections; and
(2) supports the continuing efforts of former King Mohammed Zahir Shah and other responsible parties searching for peace to convene an emergency ``Loya Jirgah''--
(A) to reestablish a representative government in Afghanistan that respects the rights of the people of all ethnic and religious groups, including the right of the people to govern their own affairs through inclusive institution building and a democratic process;
(B) to bring freedom, peace, and stability to Afghanistan; and
(C) to end terrorist activities, drug production, and human rights abuses in Afghanistan.
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