Sam Brownback: “I am pleased to submit a concurrent resolution congratulating the State of Qatar and its citizens for their commitment…”

“I am pleased to submit a concurrent resolution congratulating the State of Qatar and its citizens for their commitment to democratic ideals and women's suffrage on the occasion of Qatar's historic elections of a central municipal council on March 8, 1999. By holding these elections, Qatar becomes only the second Gulf Arab state to have an elected house, and the first to allow women the vote and the right to take part in the municipal polls. These elections are a very promising step towards the establishment of democracy. As a country which stands firmly committed to democratic ideals, including the suffrage of women, the United States should applaud this bold move by His Highness, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar for issuing the decree to create the central municipal council and for making this major step towards democracy possible. This resolution commends the Emir of Qatar for his leadership and commitment to suffrage and the principles of democracy; congratulates the citizens of Qatar as they celebrate the historic election for a central municipal council; and reaffirms that the United States is strongly committed to encouraging the suffrage of women, democratic ideals, and peaceful development throughout the Middle East. I urge my colleagues to support this initiatives.”