Senate Resolution
304
108th CONGRESS, 2d Session
S. RES. 304
Expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should not
support the February 20, 2004, elections in Iran and that the United
States should advocate a democratic government in Iran that will restore
freedom to the Iranian people and will abandon terrorism.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 12, 2004
Mr. BROWNBACK (for himself, Mr. LEAHY, Mr. BIDEN, and Mr. DASCHLE)
submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should not
support the February 20, 2004, elections in Iran and that the United
States should advocate a democratic government in Iran that will restore
freedom to the Iranian people and will abandon terrorism.
Whereas there is a long history of mutual affection, appreciation,
and respect between the people of the United States and the people of
Iran, including the incalculable efforts by the United States in
providing humanitarian, financial, and technological assistance to help
the people of Iran;
Whereas the people of Iran have shown support for decency and
freedom, and solidarity with the United States, including the
demonstration of such support through candlelight vigils attended by the
youth of Iran in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks upon the
United States;
Whereas the Council of Guardians is a 12-member unelected body that
has arbitrarily disqualified thousands of candidates, including sitting
Members of the Parliament of Iran and members of the reformist movement;
Whereas the elections scheduled to be held on February 20, 2004, in
Iran are fatally flawed;
Whereas the brave efforts of the people of Iran to promote greater
democracy and respect for human rights are being thwarted by the actions
of the Council of Guardians;
Whereas the blatant interference of the Council of Guardians in the
electoral process ensures that the elections scheduled for February 20,
2004, will be neither free nor fair; and
Whereas the circumstances in Iran clearly call into serious question
whether pro-democratic reform within the regime of Iran is possible:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that--
(1) the United States should not support the elections in Iran
scheduled to take place on February 20, 2004, as such elections
stifle the growth of the democratic forces in Iran and do not serve
the national security interest of the United States;
(2) the support provided by the United States to Iran should be
provided to the people of Iran; and
(3) the policy of the United States should be to advocate a
democratic government in Iran that will restore freedom to the
people of Iran, will abandon terrorism, will protect human rights,
and will live in peace and security with the international
community.
END
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