Whereas the Soviet occupation forces now total over one hundred fifteen thousand troops. Whereas the international community Is increasingly focusing its attention on the Soviets gross violations of human rights in Afghanistan. including routine torture. the massacre of civilians. the forced evacuation of rural areas. and the incarceration without trial of tens of thousands of political prisoners. Whereas the number of refugees forced to flee Afghanistan has created the worlds largest refugee population in Pakistan. Whereas the proud spirit of the people of Afghanistan. represented by the reiistance to occupation and the struggle to regain sovereignty remains an inspiration to all people. whether free or under the yoke of tyranny. and Whereas the people of Afghanistan observe March 21 as the start of their New Year: Now. therefore. be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That the Congress(1) condemns the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for five years of military terrorism and attempted subjugation of Afghanistan. (2) calls on the Soviet Union to commit itself to a negotiated political settlement for Afghanistan. based upon the principles spelled out in six resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly on the war In that country. and (3) designates March 21. 1985 as "Afghanistan Day" In honor of the struggle of the Afghan people to regain their freedom. and authorizes and requests the President to Issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate programs. ceremonies. and activities.
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refugee refugees