By Ed Somers
July 16, 2007

Following an extended and serious debate, and the adoption of several amendments, the Conference of Mayors voted 51-47 for a resolution regarding the Iraq war on June 25.

One of the amendments added to the resolution was a whereas clause stating, “The United States Conference of Mayors completely and 110 percent supports those men and women that are defending, have defended and will defend our country.”

The resolution was offered during the full business session by Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline. Following are the resolved clauses contained in the resolution:

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors calls for the Administration to begin planning immediately for the swift and prudent redeployment of the U.S. Armed Forces; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors calls for the accelerated training of Iraq’s Armed Forces to be able to maintain stability and civil order; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors calls for future U.S. Military Aid; reconstruction funding, and other support to be tied to the achievement of verifiable goals by the Iraqi government, including ridding Iraqi security forces of militia or sectarian influence; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors calls for the Administration, as part of a comprehensive plan for stability in the region, to convene an international conference to identify strategies and methods for reducing regional interference in Iraq and increasing regional support of achieving peace and stability in Iraq; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors calls for full funding of services to the brave men and women returning after service in the United States Armed Forces, including medical, psychological, housing and other support services, and support to local governments funding such services.