IV 
108TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 371
Commending the people and the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom 
of Jordan for their political reform efforts and wishing them continued 
success in their democratization efforts. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
SEPTEMBER 16, 2003
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN (for herself, Mr. LANTOS, and Mr. ACKERMAN) submitted 
the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Inter-
national Relations 
RESOLUTION 
Commending the people and the Government of the 
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for their political reform 
efforts and wishing them continued success in their de-
mocratization efforts.
Whereas on June 17, 2003, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jor-
dan held parliamentary elections, the fourth since 1989, 
and the first during the rein of His Majesty King 
Abdullah II; 
Whereas the elections were conducted in an orderly and 
transparent manner; 
Whereas municipal elections for the capital city of Amman 
were held on July 26 and 27, 2003, and other local coun-
cils’ elections will be held in September 2003;
•HRES 371 IH 
Whereas Jordan has placed high importance in recent years 
on the rights of women to vote and run for public office, 
thereby serving as a model for other countries in the re-
gion; 
Whereas six seats in the Jordanian House of Deputies are re-
served for female candidates, over and above any seats 
freely won in the elections, to ensure the participation 
and representation of women in the development of Jor-
dan’s political life and freedoms; 
Whereas progress toward democracy and pluralism in Jordan 
has been significant, and both the Jordanian leadership 
and the people of Jordan are committed to continuing 
this progress; 
Whereas His Majesty King Abdullah II recently stated at the 
World Economic Forum: ‘‘We in Jordan—and many oth-
ers, throughout the Middle East—are working hard to 
create a civic environment in which our people will thrive. 
The basic requirement is an inclusive, democratic civil so-
ciety—one that guarantees rights, delegates responsibil-
ities, honors merit and rewards achievement. The founda-
tion stones on which we build are peace and stability, 
basic civil and political rights, essential services, freedom 
of expression and the rule of law.’’; 
Whereas the National Center for Human Rights and an inde-
pendent Higher Media Council have been recently estab-
lished to strengthen Jordan’s commitment to human 
rights as an integral part of the country’s overall efforts 
to achieve political and democratic reforms; and 
Whereas Jordan continues to invest in reforming its edu-
cational system to incorporate democratic values and
•HRES 371 IH 
principles in order to solidify the roots of democracy in 
its civil society: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) commends the people and the Government 
of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for conducting 
transparent participatory elections; 
(2) express its desire that this process toward 
democratization continues to thrive to become a 
model for other Arab countries; 
(3) reaffirms the friendship and the special re-
lations that exist between the people of the United 
States and the people of Jordan; 
(4) offers its commitment to assist Jordan in 
its future challenges of democratic reform to ensure 
democracy is able to grow and flourish; and 
(5) commends His Majesty King Abdullah II 
for his efforts in promoting political, economic, and 
social reforms, and for his unequivocal determination 
to promote peace in the Middle East.
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