Kerry's Iraq resolution

[ProSense]

posted at Raw Story:

Kerry introduces resolution calling for Iraq pullout this year

RAW STORY
Published: Thursday April 6, 2006

Senator John Kerry (D-MA) today introduced a joint resolution calling for the U.S. to begin pulling out of Iraq by year's end, RAW STORY has learned. The plan lays out two scenarios for withdrawal.

If Iraqi leaders cannot form a coalition government by the 15th of May, 2006, Kerry calls for an immediate U.S. exit.

"Our soldiers have done their job," Kerry announced to the Senate. "It’s time for the newly-elected Iraqi leaders to do their job. And it's past time for America’s political leaders to do theirs."

If Iraq can form a national unity government by the May 15 deadline, the Kerry plan calls for U.S. forces to draw up a plan with the new government for a withdrawl as soon as is practicable.

Kerry placed a final deadline in the second scenario at the end of 2006: "Yes now, Mr. President – this year."

The resolution, as introduced, follows:

http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Kerry_introduces_resolution_calling_for_Iraq_0406.html

Also posted on GD-P:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2555515&mesg_id=2555515

[ProSense]

1. Excerpt

EXCERPTS OF JOHN KERRY’S JOINT RESOLUTION INTRODUCED IN THE U.S. SENATE ON APRIL 6, 2006

Purpose: To provide a strategy for successfully empowering a new unity government in Iraq.

Whereas the men and women of the Armed Forces have performed with valor, honor, and courage in Iraq;

Whereas Iraq can only achieve stability with a national unity government embraced by Sunnis, Shias and Kurds;

Whereas in order to find a political solution that is necessary to undermine the insurgency, end sectarian violence and bring stability to Iraq, the Iraqis’ must reach a comprehensive agreement that includes forming a unity government, security guarantees, disbanding the militias, and a process for reviving the reconstruction efforts and securing Iraq’s borders.

Whereas the commander of the Multinational Forces-Iraq, General George Casey, testified before the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate on September 29, 2005, that “(i)ncreased coalition presence feeds the notion of occupation … contributes to the dependency of Iraqi security forces on the coalition… ( and ) … extends the amount of time that it will take for Iraqi security forces to become self-reliant;”

Whereas the withdrawal of U.S. forces under a schedule agreed upon with the new Iraqi government would strengthen and legitimize that government, enable the Iraqis to become more self-reliant, and undermine support for the insurgency; Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

That:

Section 1. The President should immediately convene a Summit that includes Iraqi leaders, our allies, members of the Arab League, Iraq’s neighbors, and representatives of the Permanent Five members of the U.N. Security Council to reach a comprehensive political agreement that includes forming a unity government, security guarantees, disbanding the militias, a process for reviving reconstruction efforts and securing Iraq’s borders.

Section 2. United States forces shall be withdrawn at the earliest practicable date if Iraqis fail to form a national unity government by May 15, 2006.

Section 3. If Iraqis form a national unity government by May 15, 2006, the United States should reach agreement as soon as possible with such government on a schedule for the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraq, leaving only forces critical to completing the mission of standing up Iraqi security forces. The President shall consult with Congress on this schedule and shall present such withdrawal agreement to Congress immediately upon completion.

Section 4. Redeployment of United States forces to rear guard, garrisoned status for security back up, training and emergency response should be accelerated.

http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/news/news_2006_0405d.html