[Congressional Bills 103th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [S. Res. 265 Introduced in Senate (IS)] 103d CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 265 To express the sense of the Senate concerning district council elections in Hong Kong on September 18, 1994. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 21 (legislative day, September 12), 1994 Mr. Brown (for himself and Mr. DeConcini) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. _______________________________________________________________________ RESOLUTION To express the sense of the Senate concerning district council elections in Hong Kong on September 18, 1994. Whereas the United States strongly supports the development of effective, functioning democratic institutions worldwide; Whereas the government of Hong Kong successfully conducted its first District Board elections on September 18th; Whereas voter registration for the September 18th district council elections in Hong Kong was higher than ever before; Whereas the number of candidates running for District Board positions is higher than in any previous election in Hong Kong's history; Whereas Hong Kong has recently taken bold strides to increase democracy and expand the rule of law; Whereas the rule of law is essential to the effective functioning of a market economy; Whereas Hong Kong currently is one of the world's leading market economies; Whereas recent electoral reforms in Hong Kong are consistent with the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law for Hong Kong; Whereas Hong Kong is an important friend and trading partner of the United States; Whereas the people of the United States and Hong Kong have long maintained close, friendly ties; Whereas the stability of Hong Kong and the continuance of its special status are of great importance to the United States; Whereas, to be effective, the rule of law must be firmly based upon the consent of those it governs; and Whereas one of the most effective methods to protect against corruption is to ensure a government that is accountable to those it governs: Now, therefore be it Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate: (1) Free and fair elections are an essential component of a stable, democratic government in Hong Kong that is free from corruption. (2) The people of Hong Kong should be congratulated for the recent success of the District Board elections and for the progress of democratic reforms that support the rule of law in Hong Kong. (3) The United States should make every effort to support the progress of democratic reforms in Hong Kong and to encourage all parties to protect these gains as the 1997 transition approaches. <all>