Condemning the Taliban as a terrorist organization and supporting the Vienna Process as a platform for anti-Taliban political opposition.

Bill: 118-hres-1433
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2]
Introduced: 2024-09-10
Policy area: International Affairs
Latest action: action_date: 2024-09-10
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Summaries:

tv_txt: IV 118th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1433 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 10, 2024 Mr. Burchett submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Condemning the Taliban as a terrorist organization and supporting the Vienna Process as a platform for anti-Taliban political opposition.

Whereas the Taliban, having seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021, has engaged in a systematic campaign of violence, repression, and terror, undermining the fundamental rights of the Afghan people and violating international norms, while also harboring foreign terrorist organizations and providing them with a safe haven to operate, further destabilizing the region and posing a threat to global security; Whereas the Taliban’s actions, which include the persecution of women and girls, the suppression of free speech, and the targeting of ethnic and religious minorities, exemplify the characteristics of a terrorist organization and warrant unequivocal condemnation by the international community; Whereas, in light of the Taliban’s continued acts of terrorism and oppression, it is imperative that the United States reaffirms its commitment to promoting democratic governance and human rights in Afghanistan, as well as supporting those who oppose the Taliban’s authoritarian rule; Whereas the Vienna Process, an inclusive political dialogue platform established in Vienna, Austria, serves as a beacon of hope for all anti-Taliban opposition groups, fostering a united front against the Taliban’s oppressive regime; Whereas the Vienna Process promotes collaboration and inclusivity, bringing together diverse factions, including former government officials, civil society representatives, and various ethnic groups, ensuring that all voices within Afghanistan’s opposition are heard and represented; Whereas the Vienna Process has emerged with an emphasis on inclusivity and comprehensive representation of the Afghan populace, thereby enhancing the legitimacy and effectiveness of efforts to establish a democratic and accountable governance structure in Afghanistan; Whereas the Vienna Process embodies a commitment to peaceful negotiation and conflict resolution, providing an alternative to the Taliban’s violent tactics and fostering an environment where dialogue can flourish; Whereas the Vienna Process is endorsed by Vets4NRF, an organization of United States veterans that supports all anti-Taliban movements, including the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, led by Ahmad Massoud, and the Afghanistan Green Trend, led by Amrullah Saleh, within the United States, with the aim of improving the relationship between Afghanistan and the United States; Whereas the United States dedicated over 20 years to supporting democracy and strengthening the rule of law in Afghanistan through diplomatic and military efforts; and Whereas the United States and veterans of the Global War on Terrorism, and their families, who sacrificed greatly in this 20-year war in the name of protecting the United States from terrorism by strengthening Afghanistan’s freedom, remain committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan in their ongoing struggle for freedom: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) condemns the Taliban as a terrorist organization for its ongoing violent and oppressive actions against the people of Afghanistan and its blatant disregard for human rights and international law, as well as its support for international terrorist organizations; (2) supports the Vienna Process as a crucial platform for uniting all anti-Taliban political opposition groups, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and representation in the pursuit of a democratic future for Afghanistan; (3) encourages continued international engagement with the Vienna Process and its stakeholders, recognizing its potential to forge a united front against the Taliban and create pathways for sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan; (4) calls on the United States Government to actively participate in and support the Vienna Process, ensuring that the voices of the people of Afghanistan are prioritized in any future negotiations regarding the governance of Afghanistan; (5) reiterates the importance of standing in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, particularly those who have been marginalized and oppressed under the Taliban regime, and affirms the commitment to uphold human rights and democratic principles in all diplomatic efforts; and (6) respectively requests that the Clerk of the House of Representatives transmit a copy of this resolution to the Secretary of State and to the United Nations, urging them to support the aims of the Vienna Process in fostering a democratic Afghanistan free from the tyranny of the Taliban.