S J. RES. 3 - HUMAN RIGHTS IN CENTRAL ASIA

Introduced January 14, 2003 into the Senate by Mr. John McCain (R-AZ).

Co-sponsors: Mr. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT).

This resolution expresses the sense of the Congress on human rights in the countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzebekistan due to the fact that the regimes in these countries help to fuel extremist organizations and are counter to the war on terrorism. The following are steps set out in the resolution to combat human rights abuses:

•  the governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan should accelerate democratic reforms and fulfill their human rights obligations

•  President, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense should-

1. Pressure the governments to continue progress in human rights

2. Support advances that are achieved by the governments of the above countries and the NGOs working within the country to advance human rights

3. Help create an environment where human rights violations are not tolerated

• Make more levels of United States assistance to the governments of the Central Asian nations made possible by their cooperation in the war in Afghanistan can be sustained only if there is substantial and continuing progress towards meeting the goals