IV

107TH CONGRESS

2D SESSION H. CON. RES. 375

Expressing the sense of the 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, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

APRIL 11, 2002

Mr. GUTKNECHT (for himself, Mr. EHRLICH, Mr. ROHRABACHER, Mr. NEY,

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, and Mr. GILMAN) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on International

Relations

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of the 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, and for other purposes.

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 American people respect the Iranian people and

value the contribution that Iran’s culture has made to

world civilization over three millennia;

Whereas the United States recognizes the legitimate aspiration of the Iranian people for democracy, civil, political,

and religious rights, and the rule of law;
2

•HCON 375 IH

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 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

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate

2 concurring), That the Congress—

3 (1) expresses its heartfelt gratitude and appre4 ciation to the courageous people of Iran for their

5 brave expressions of support following the Sep6 tember 11, 2001, attacks on the United States;

7 (2) recognizes and supports the people of Iran

8 in their daily struggle for democracy, reform, human

9 rights, economic prosperity, and the rule of law;

10 (3) makes a clear distinction between the peace11 loving people of Iran, endowed with a rich culture

12 and history, and the unelected officials of Iran; and
3

•HCON 375 IH

1 (4) urges the President of the United States—

2 (A) to engage with and support the people

3 of Iran and their legitimate aspiration for free4 dom and democracy;

5 (B) to continue to pursue areas of common

6 interest with the people of Iran while taking an

7 uncompromising stance on terrorism, weapons

8 of mass destruction, and the human rights of

9 Iranian citizens; and

10 (C) to use all available diplomatic means to

11 support the Iranian people’s demand for an im12 mediate release of all political prisoners and for

13 removal of the ban on freedom of the press.

Æ