-Co-Sponsors Urgently Needed for H.Res. 673-JBANC ACTION ALERTFebruary 22, 2006 contact: Karl Altau (tel. 301-340-1954) Washington, DC (JBANC) --- The Belarus Presidential election is fast approaching and the international community needs to strongly urge Alexander Lukashenko, "Europe’s last dictator," to hold free and fair elections on March 19. The Lukashenko regime has been increasingly and aggressively suppressing dissent and freedom of speech in that country in what observers believe is an effort to intimidate voters prior to the election. Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL), House Baltic Caucus co-chair, has introduced a resolution expressing support for democracy in Belarus and for free and fair elections. H. Res. 673 was introduced on February 14 and was cleared by the Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging Threats that same day. A vote is expected by the week of February 28. Before then, the resolution needs to have at least 25 co-sponsors to move to the floor for a vote. The Shimkus resolution has four original co-sponsors: Congressmen Elton Gallegly (Chairman of the Subcommittee), Thaddeus McCotter, Darrell Issa, and Mike Rogers. More co-sponsors are urgently needed. Congressman McCotter participated in a February 16 demonstration in support of democracy in Belarus. At that rally Rep. McCotter stated "We want to make the Belarus authorities understand that…we will never abandon or forget the nation of Belarus." Text and details of the legislation can be found at the Library of Congresses Thomas site by typing in the bill number "H. Res. 673" in the search field: http://thomas.loc.gov Other useful links for contacting your Member of Congress: JBANC represents the Estonian American National Council, Inc., the American Latvian Association, Inc. and the Lithuanian American Council, Inc. |
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