[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 130 (Monday, October 7, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H7117-H7119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOMMENDING INTEGRATION OF LITHUANIA, LATVIA, AND ESTONIA INTO NORTH
ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION (NATO)
Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 116) recommending the
integration of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia into the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization (NATO).
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 116
Whereas the Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia, and
Estonia are undergoing a historic process of democratic and
free market transformation after emerging from decades of
brutal Soviet occupation;
Whereas each of these Baltic countries has conducted
peaceful transfers of political power--in Lithuania since
1990 and in Latvia and Estonia since 1991;
Whereas each of these Baltic countries has been exemplary
and consistent in its respect for human rights and civil
liberties;
Whereas the governments of these Baltic countries have made
consistent progress toward establishing civilian control of
their militaries through active participation in the
Partnership for Peace program and North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) peace support operations;
Whereas Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are participating in
the NATO-led multinational military force in the Republic of
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo;
Whereas Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia are consistently
increasing their defense budget allocations and have adopted
laws providing that such allocations for defense will be at
least 2 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) by 2002
for Lithuania and Estonia and by 2003 for Latvia;
Whereas each of these Baltic countries has clearly
demonstrated its ability to operate with the military forces
of NATO nations and under NATO standards;
Whereas former Secretary of Defense Perry stipulated five
generalized standards for entrance into NATO: support for
democracy, including toleration of ethnic diversity and
respect for human rights; building a free market economy;
civilian control of the military; promotion of good
neighborly relations; and development of military
interoperability with NATO;
Whereas each of these Baltic countries has satisfied these
standards for entrance into NATO; and
Whereas NATO will consider at its 2002 summit meeting in
Prague the further enlargement of its alliance: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that--
(1) Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are to be commended for
their progress toward political and economic liberty and
meeting the guidelines for prospective members of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) set out in chapter 5 of
the September 1995 Study on NATO Enlargement;
(2) Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia would make an
outstanding contribution toward furthering the goals of NATO
should they become members;
(3) extension of full NATO membership to these Baltic
countries would contribute to stability, freedom, and peace
in the Baltic region and Europe as a whole; and
(4) with complete satisfaction of NATO guidelines and
criteria for membership, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia
should be invited in 2002 to become full members of NATO.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Gallegly) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms.
Watson) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly).
General Leave
Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their
remarks and to include extraneous material on the concurrent resolution
under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from
New Jersey (Mr. Smith).
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished
chairman for yielding me this time.
[[Page H7118]]
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in support of H. Con. Res.
116, recommending the integration of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia
into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. I believe that these three
nations have demonstrated the commitment necessary to become full-
fledged members of that organization and will prove to be valuable
allies in the war against international terrorism and the effort to
promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law around the world.
These are the foundations, of course, for peace and prosperity; and
they will be and are even now major players.
Mr. Speaker, 11 years ago with the collapse of the Soviet Union,
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania threw off the yoke of Soviet domination
and regained their independence. Between World War I and World War II,
they had been sovereign nations and respected members of the
international community. In 1939, however, they were illegally
partitioned between Hitler and Stalin as part of the infamous Molotov-
Ribbentrop agreement. Based on this agreement, Hitler gave Stalin the
green light to seize the Baltic states.
I am proud to state and to note that the illegal incorporation of
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania into the Soviet Union was never
recognized by the United States Government. Now Estonia, Latvia, and
Lithuania are again sovereign nations, respected members of the
international community, desirous of joining and contributing to the
most successful defensive alliance Europe has ever known. They are
working individually and among themselves to improve their defense
posture and coordination. All three Baltic states are major
contributing forces to the stabilization force in Bosnia. In
Afghanistan, an Estonia mine-detecting team is working with our forces
near the Bagram air base. They are working assiduously towards
membership in the European Union and play a significant role in the
deliberations of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in
Europe, which I chair.
In the early 1990s, there were OSCE missions to Estonia and Latvia to
assist in the resolution of the problem of integrating the non-native
populations. These missions, I am very happy to say, have now been
withdrawn as the challenges of integration recede further and further
into history.
I would be remiss, however, if I did not mention a rule of law
concern that is relevant to this discussion. During and after World War
II, millions of people fled Eastern and central Europe to escape Nazi
and Communist persecution. Most of them lost everything they and their
families had earned and built up over generations including homes,
businesses, and artwork. Since the early 1990's these people or their
descendants have tried to regain through legal means the properties
that were confiscated. The Helsinki Commission, again a commission that
seeks to implement the Helsinki Final Act, has monitored the property
restitution and compensation efforts being made by post-Communist
governments, and this past July we held our third hearing on that
subject. Among the NATO candidate countries where the issue of property
restitution has been particularly problematic are Lithuania, Croatia,
and Romania.
Central and East European governments have done much regarding
property restitution; and indeed they have done some very good things,
many of these countries. However, there needs to be done more in this
area, and we would call upon them again as we encourage them to join
NATO and are looking forward to this partnership which strengthens and
deters against aggression that this issue needs to be resolved, and it
needs to be resolved as quickly as humanly possible.
Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I commend the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus) for introducing this important
resolution. Mr. Speaker, throughout the grim decades of the Cold War,
the U.S. Congress consistently fought to ensure that the international
community never acknowledged the incorporation of the Baltic states,
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, into the Soviet Union. Since these
countries earned their independence in 1991, Congress has consistently
supported their historic transformation into democratic and free market
societies. From the first day of independence, all three Baltic
countries made NATO membership a cornerstone of their foreign policy
regardless of which political party controlled the government.
Mr. Speaker, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have made Herculean
efforts to prepare themselves for NATO membership. They have built
armed forces modeled on Western armies. They have consistently
maintained their defense budget at or around 2 percent of their GDP
during these difficult economic times. Their people have consistently
supported NATO membership with all its opportunities and commitments.
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have all sent troops to assist the
European peace-making efforts under NATO. The Baltic states have also
joined the United States in the war on terrorism by offering to deploy
forces to Afghanistan as part of the Danish contingent. These countries
had some difficult legacies to overcome including Holocaust-era issues
and dealing with Russian ethnic minorities. Latvia and Estonia have
made considerable progress on minority rights issues and Lithuania has
worked with the Jewish community to address property restitution and
other Holocaust issues. These countries are now on the right track. Mr.
Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr.
Kucinich).
Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me
this time.
Mr. Speaker, the nations of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania have long
awaited accession to NATO; and throughout this country, people
representing various communities supporting Latvia, Estonia, and
Lithuania have been seeking for recognition not only for NATO but also
recognition so that there can be a full involvement with the European
community. It is so important that this Congress recognizes the
importance of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania to the world community and
encourage not only excision but also encourage the full integration
into the European community and the world community of these nations.
{time} 1730
These nations have much to offer in terms of their commitment to
democratic values, in terms of their commitment to development of their
economies, in terms their commitment to technological development and
in terms of their friendship with the United States.
I think that this resolution, which seeks to support Lithuania,
Latvia and Estonia, is a step along the way towards rewarding those
nations that not only have pursued democratic traditions but also are
attempting to be integrated with the economies of Europe and of the
United States.
NATO accession is seen as not simply being participation in the
defense of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization member states, but
also it is seen as an opportunity towards a more full participation in
the world community on all the economic issues.
So I am pleased to work with my good friend, the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Shimkus), and others who are concerned that this
resolution receive this attention and support, and to stand here on
behalf of those citizens in the Baltics, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia,
who have long awaited this moment when their nations would be
recognized, and all of their friends in this country who have long
awaited the moment for the United States to show support for the
integration of these nations and for accession of these nations.
This is an important moment, and I am proud to be here on the floor
to join with my colleague from California and to state to the world
community that Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania are ready, they have been
willing, they are able, and they deserve the support of the Congress of
the United States.
Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 116, which was
introduced by our colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus).
[[Page H7119]]
In light of the action taken by the Subcommittee on Europe and just
now by the House, which endorsed the Baltic States for membership in
NATO, I believe this resolution is complimentary to H. Res. 468 and
should be adopted.
The resolution endorses the candidacies of Estonia, Latvia and
Lithuania for NATO membership and discusses in detail why the three
Baltic nations deserve to be invited into the alliance.
Mr. Speaker, last year, the Baltic nations celebrated the 10th
anniversary of the resumption of their independence after a long period
of Soviet dominance. The changes which have taken place in those
countries has been amazing in every aspect. The total political,
economic and social transformation they have gone through in
preparation for NATO and EU membership has been impressive, and they
deserve to be recognized or their accomplishments by being invited to
join the alliance.
The author of this legislation, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr.
Shimkus), has long been a supporter and spokesman for the Baltics,
serving as the chairman of the Baltic Caucus in the House. He has given
tireless devotion to promoting these countries and their
accomplishments. Passage of this resolution is as much about his
dedication as it is about theirs.
Mr. Speaker, I do not believe there could be any better additions to
the NATO alliance than these three nations, and I urge the adoption of
the resolution.
Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con.
Res. 116 to recommend the integration of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia
into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Since its inception in 1949, NATO has served as a vehicle for peace
and stability throughout Europe. While the imminent threat of the
Warsaw Pact has passed, one need not look far to see the continued
utility of NATO. Far from becoming a defunct organization when the
Berlin wall fell 13 years ago, NATO has adapted to the changing
security dynamics of the post-cold war era and has continued to be a
means through which we can achieve peace in Europe.
One of the most measurable successes of NATO is the eagerness of
former Warsaw Pact countries and former Republics of the Soviet Union
to join the western alliance. Three years ago, we officially welcomed
Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. At the Prague Summit in
November the alliance will once again consider expanding its
membership. We should recognize the tremendous gains the states of
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have made by accepting them into the
NATO fold.
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have all individually made
extraordinary advances toward democracy and free market principles.
Each has successfully thrown off the yoke of Soviet oppression and has
instituted government structures that assure freedom and rule of law
for their citizens. Each has demonstrated a respect for human rights
and a desire to be oriented toward the freedom-loving states of the
West. Each has actively worked to achieve the standards necessary for
accession into NATO, and each has succeeded in this endeavor.
Membership in NATO will help cement the progress the Baltic states
have made since achieving independence in 1991. More importantly, NATO
expansion to incorporate the Baltic states, as former republics of the
Soviet Union, will serve to strengthen the alliance in its mission to
secure peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic region.
As a member of the House Baltic Caucus, I applaud the strides that
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have made and urge my colleagues to join
me in supporting this resolution.
Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, as an American of Lithuanian decent, and
cochairman of the House Baltic Caucus, it is with great pride that I
rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 116. This resolution supports the
integration of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia into NATO.
In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, I believe it is even more
important than ever to secure Europe through NATO enlargement. This
past year there has been a fundamental shift in the argument over NATO
membership. We are no longer questioning ``if'' NATO will expand, we
are asking ``who'' will be invited to join in 2002. In a major foreign
policy address at Warsaw University on June 15, 2001, President George
W. Bush spoke decisively for enlarging NATO to include the Baltic
nations when he said, ``All the new democracies, from the Baltic to the
Black Sea, should have the same chance for security and freedom to join
the institutions of Europe.'' Now, even the NATO defense ministers are
telling the press that the decision has already been made to invite the
Baltic countries to join at the Prague Summit next month.
When considering H. Con. Res. 116, it is important to remember the
Baltic's history. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia lost their independence
in 1940 after the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentropo Pact that placed
the Baltic States in the Soviet sphere of influence. The United States
never recognized the legitimacy of the Soviet occupation. For over 50
years, the Baltic people endured unspeakable horrors under Stalin's
totalitarian regime. With incredible tenacity and bravery, they
resisted occupation. In 1991 they reasserted their independence,
causing the domino effect that led the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are among the greatest success stories
of post-communist Europe. Against all odds, in the decade since they
regained independence, the Baltic countries have established stable
democratic governments, free market economic systems, and exemplary
respect for human rights and civil liberties. With reoccupation a
possible long-term threat, they have turned their efforts toward
security which can only be achieved by joining NATO.
Submitting their applications for NATO membership in 1994, the
Baltics have already been contributing as if they were members of the
alliance. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have all sent troops to assist
the European peacekeeping efforts under NATO, the United Nations, the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, as well as
essential linguistic support for the current campaign against
terrorism. Despite their modest budgets and tremendous social needs,
each country has committed itself to spending 2 percent of its GDP on
military preparations in compliance with the membership action plan
(MAP). This is remarkable because in comparison, many NATO members,
including Germany, do not currently spend 2 percent of their GDP on
defense. H. Con. Res. 116 backs Baltic membership contingent on the
completion of the membership action plan (MAP) requirements, which they
have been vigorously pursuing.
There are some who argue that Baltic membership in NATO will cause a
dangerous tension with Russia. I respectfully disagree. Expanding the
umbrella of protection to the Baltics will never pose a threat to
Russia. Instead it will enhance stability to Moscow's west, which is to
Russia's advantage. In the recent past, Russia raised the same
complaints about Poland's candidacy, and now that Poland has joined the
alliance, the two countries have a better relationship than ever
before. Baltic inclusion into NATO will have the same effect. Baltic
membership might temporarily wound Russian pride, but it will be
beneficial in the long term, forcing Russia to focus on its ailing
economy, not its geopolitical situation.
Moreover, in light of the terrorist attacks, Russia seems to be
accepting Baltic membership. On October 3, 2001 Russian President
Vladimir Putin stated in Brussels that he is prepared to reconsider
Russia's opposition to NATO enlargement. Putin stated that September
11th has brought relations between Russian and the West to a ``new
level.''
While relations between the United States and the Baltic countries
are very strong, the Baltics feel like the west abandoned them in
exchange for peace with Moscow after World War II. If we fail to extend
NATO membership to the Baltics in this round of enlargement, they will
believe that we have scarified them once again. It would stall the
reform movements underway which are fueled by hope for NATO membership
and could cause instability in the region.
I introduced H. Con. Res. 116 because it is very important for the
House of Representatives to send a message to NATO leaders before the
2002 summit that the United States stands firmly behind the Baltics'
candidacy. Only NATO membership will enhance security in Europe. Until
they are invited to join, the Baltic region will remain ripe for crises
that could contaminate the United States-Russian relationship and
threaten European security. For these reasons, I ask you to vote for H.
Con. Res. 116.
Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Petri). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res.
116.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was
agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________