Political Quotes

“I ask unanimous consent that the preamble be agreed to and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The preamble was agreed to. The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows: S. Res. 386 Whereas democracy, human rights, and civil liberties are universal values and fundamental principles of United States foreign policy; Whereas an essential element of democratic self-government is for leaders to be chosen and regularly held accountable through elections that are organized and conducted in a manner that is free, fair, inclusive, and consistent with international standards; Whereas governments whose power does not derive from free and fair elections lack democratic legitimacy; Whereas the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is a signatory to the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adopted December 16, 1966 (ICCPR), which states that every citizen has the right to vote ``at genuine periodic elections'' that reflect ``the free expression of the will of the electors''; Whereas the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran regularly violates its obligations under the ICCPR, holding elections that are neither free nor fair nor consistent with international standards; Whereas elections in Iran are marred by the disqualification of candidates based on their political views; the absence of credible international observers; severe restrictions on freedom of expression, assem…”