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 friend-
ship 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 con-
current 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 world-
wide as Nowruz, the Persian (Iranian) New Year, sym-
bolizes 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 aspira-
tion of the Iranian people for democracy, civil, political,
and religious rights, and the rule of law;
•HCON 375 IH
Whereas there exists a broad-based movement and desire for
political change in Iran that represents all sectors of Ira-
nian society, including youth, women, students, military
personnel, and religious figures, and that is pro-demo-
cratic, seeking freedom and economic opportunity;
Whereas the Iranian people have increasingly expressed frus-
tration 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, thou-
sands 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 Amer-
ican people: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That the Congress—
(1) expresses its heartfelt gratitude and appre-
ciation to the courageous people of Iran for their
brave expressions of support following the Sep-
tember 11, 2001, attacks on the United States;
(2) recognizes and supports the people of Iran
in their daily struggle for democracy, reform, human
rights, economic prosperity, and the rule of law;
(3) makes a clear distinction between the peace-
loving people of Iran, endowed with a rich culture
and history, and the unelected officials of Iran; and
•HCON 375 IH
(4) urges the President of the United States—
(A) to engage with and support the people
of Iran and their legitimate aspiration for free-
dom and democracy;
(B) to continue to pursue areas of common
interest with the people of Iran while taking an
uncompromising stance on terrorism, weapons
of mass destruction, and the human rights of
Iranian citizens; and
(C) to use all available diplomatic means to
support the Iranian people’s demand for an im-
mediate release of all political prisoners and for
removal of the ban on freedom of the press.
Æ