Supporting constructive dialogue on human rights issues between the United States and Bahrain
110th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. RES. 619
Expressing support for a constructive dialogue on human rights issues between the United States and Bahrain.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
July 22, 2008Mr. SESSIONS (for himself and Mr. COLEMAN) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
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RESOLUTION
Expressing support for a constructive dialogue on human rights issues between the United States and Bahrain.
Whereas Bahrain is a friend of the United States and a critical partner in the war on terrorism, as demonstrated by Bahrain's designation as a major ally outside of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the completion of the United States-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement in 2006, and the continued presence of United States forces in Bahrain;
Whereas the strategic relationship between the United States and Bahrain should not prevent the United States from speaking honestly to the Government of Bahrain about concerns regarding human rights issues in a mutually respectful dialogue; and
Whereas numerous reports, including the Department of State's 2007 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Bahrain, detail potential shortcomings by the Government of Bahrain in the areas of human rights and democracy, including--
(1) the use of torture and undue force against political activists;
(2) systematic discrimination by the Sunni government against the Shi'a majority, including forbidding Shi'a from joining the military and discriminating against Shi'a in public sector employment;
(3) the denial, in practice, of the right to a fair trial; and
(4) gerrymandering of political districts in order to support favored candidates: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) supports a constructive dialogue on human rights issues as an integral part of the bilateral agenda between the United States and Bahrain;
(2) expresses support for efforts to promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Bahrain; and
(3) calls upon the President and the Secretary of State to aid in those efforts.
END
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