Text of Jim Walsh's House Resolution 1051 expressing support for democracy in Nepal



RESOLUTION Expressing support for democracy in Nepal that will require the full participation of the people of Nepal in the political process to hold elections for a constituent assembly and draft a new constitution and calling upon the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist to adhere to commitments it has made and to respect human rights. Congressman James Walsh of New York served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nepal in the 1960's.

Text of Jim Walsh's House Resolution 1051 expressing support for democracy in Nepal

Expressing support for democracy in Nepal that will require the full participation of the people of Nepal in the political process to hold elections for a constituent assembly and draft... (Introduced in House)

HRES 1051 IH

109th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. RES. 1051

Expressing support for democracy in Nepal that will require the full participation of the people of Nepal in the political process to hold elections for a constituent assembly and draft a new constitution and calling upon the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist to adhere to commitments it has made and to respect human rights.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 27, 2006

Mr. WALSH (for himself, Mr. UDALL of Colorado, Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania, Mr. ROHRABACHER, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. MCCOTTER, Mr. KOLBE, Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts, Mr. WOLF, Ms. BORDALLO, and Mr. BAIRD) submitted the following resolution ; which was referred to the Committee on International Relations

RESOLUTION

Expressing support for democracy in Nepal that will require the full participation of the people of Nepal in the political process to hold elections for a constituent assembly and draft a new constitution and calling upon the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist to adhere to commitments it has made and to respect human rights.

Whereas the United States and Nepal have longstanding ties of friendship and good relations, and since contributing as Nepal's first bilateral aid donor in January 1951, the United States has contributed more than $1,400,000,000 bilaterally and multilaterally to Nepal;

Whereas it is the policy of the United States to prevent a Maoist takeover of Nepal in order to achieve important United States regional and bilateral goals, including preventing the spread of terror, enhancing regional stability, promoting democracy, and protecting United States citizens in Nepal;

Whereas the Maoist insurgency, along with the violence of the security forces, in Nepal has killed approximately 13,000 people since 1996, and the insurgency continues to undermine political stability and the prospects for economic development in the country;

Whereas after three weeks of mass pro-democracy protests organized by the Seven-Party Alliance and the Maoists, King Gyanendra reinstated the parliament, which reconvened on April 28, 2006; and

Whereas the United States supports the Seven-Party Alliance Government's efforts to bring peace to Nepal, hold elections for a constituent assembly, and write a new constitution: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That--

(1) the House of Representatives--

(A) reiterates its support for democracy in Nepal;

(B) recognizes that the full participation of the people of Nepal will be required in the political process to--

(i) hold elections for a constituent assembly; and

(ii) draft a new constitution; and

(C) submits that the Maoists must lay down their weapons before joining the government; and

(2) it is the sense of the House of Representatives that--

(A) the Seven-Party Alliance Government should--

(i) continue its role in developing a new democracy;

(ii) hold an election for a constituent assembly;

(iii) draft a constitution; and

(iv) implement the will of the people of Nepal; and

(B) the Maoists must--

(i) lay down their weapons before joining the interim government;

(ii) respect human rights;

(iii) strictly implement what they have agreed to with the Seven Party Alliance;

(iv) implement concrete steps to show their commitment to competitive politics and a multiparty system; and

(v) follow the rule of law and commit to press freedom.

Links to Related Topics (Tags):

Headlines: September, 2006; RPCV James Walsh (Nepal); Figures; Peace Corps Nepal; Directory of Nepal RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Nepal RPCVs; Politics; Congress; New York

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