Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 99 Part 1.djvu/256

 99 STAT. 234

PUBLIC LAW 99-83—AUG. 8, 1985 (2) directs the President to include reports on the results of such efforts in the annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report; and (3) reaffirms its intention to obtain maximum cooperation on the part of all governments for the purpose of halting international drug trafficking, and constantly to evaluate the cooperation of those governments receiving assistance from the United States. TITLE VII—WESTERN HEMISPHERE SEC. 701. CENTRAL AMERICA DEMOCRACY, PEACE, AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE.

Part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 is amended by adding after chapter 5 the following new chapter:

"CHAPTER 6—CENTRAL AMERICA DEMOCRACY, PEACE, AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE 22 USC 2271.

Human rights.

461. STATEMENT OF POLICY.—(a) The Congress finds that ' l l) the building of democracy, the restoration of peace, the improvement of living conditions, and the application of equal justice under law in Central America are important to the interests of the United States and the community of American States; and "(2) the interrelated issues of social and human progress, economic growth, political reform, and regional security must be effectively dealt with to assure a democratic and economically and politically secure Central America. "(b)(1) The achievement of democracy, respect for human rights, peace, and equitable economic growth depends primarily on the cooperation and the human and economic resources of the people and governments of Central America. The Congress recognizes that the United States can make a significant contribution to such peaceful and democratic development through a consistent and coherent policy which includes a long-term commitment of assistance. This policy should be designed to support actively— "(A) democracy and political reform, including opening the political process to all members of society; "(B) full observance of internationaly recognized human rights, including free elections, freedom of the press, freedom of association, and the elimination of all human rights abuses; "(C) leadership development, including training and educational programs to improve public administration and the administration of justice; "(D) land reform, reform in tax systems, encouragement of private enterprise and individual initiative, creation of favorable investment climates, curbing corruption where it exists, and spurring balanced trade; "(E) the establishment of the rule of law and an effective judicial system; and "(F) the termination of extremist violence by both the left and the right as well as vigorous action to prosecute those guilty of crimes and the prosecution to the extent possible of past offenders. "SEC.

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