PUBLIC LAW 98-10—MAR. 24, 1983 97 STAT. 41 Public Law 98-10 98th Congress Joint Resolution Designating March 21, 1983, as "Afghanistan Day". Whereas the occupation of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union contin- ues unabated, causing immense privation to, and suffering among, the people of Afghanistan; Whereas the Soviet occupation of this formerly independent and sovereign land has now entered its fourth year; Whereas the Soviet occupation forces now total over one hundred thousand troops; Whereas Soviet troops have brutally slaughtered thousands of inno- cent Afghan civilians through the use of modern weapons of war, including chemical and biological weapons; Whereas the number of refugees forced to flee Afghanistan has steadily increased and approaches four million; Whereas the undaunted resistance of the Afghan freedom fighters against the Soviet occupational forces is an inspiration to the free world; Whereas the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan undermines the spirit and intention of the Declaration of Principles of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, which the Soviet Union signed at Helsinki, Finland, in 1975; 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 March 21, 1983, is designated "Afghanistan Day". The President is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Approved March 24, 1983. Mar. 24, 1983 [S.J. Res. 65] Afghanistan Day. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 65: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 129 (1983): Mar. 18, considered and passed Senate. Mar. 21, considered and passed House.
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