[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 130 (Monday, October 7, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H7119-H7122]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOMMENDING THE INTEGRATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVAKIA INTO THE NORTH
ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION (NATO)
Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
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the resolution (H. Res. 253) recommending the integration of the
Republic of Slovakia into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO), as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 253
Whereas the Slovak Republic came into existence in 1993
after a peaceful division of Czechoslovakia;
Whereas Slovakia has consistently conducted peaceful
transfers of political power;
Whereas Slovakia has demonstrated the maturity of its
democracy in democratic, free and fair elections of September
2002 with high voter turnout;
Whereas Slovakia has shown a consistent record of progress
in the areas of human rights, civil society, and a free
market economy;
Whereas Slovakia's past government (1998-2002), which
included three ethnic Hungarians, including a Deputy Prime
Minister, demonstrated its commitment to improved relations
with national minorities;
Whereas Slovakia reconfirmed its ability to address issues
of the past, including the recent decision of its Government
to compensate the Holocaust victims;
Whereas Slovakia has continually worked to retain civilian
control of its military through active participation with
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces, and the
members of the North Atlantic community have cooperated
closely with the military of Slovakia in its reform;
Whereas Slovakia has demonstrated its ability to operate
with the military forces of NATO members within activities of
the Partnership for Peace program and participated in
missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo;
Whereas Slovakia sent its troops to Afghanistan in support
of the war against terrorism and Operation Enduring Freedom;
Whereas Slovakia, geographically located in a strategically
significant position, contributed within the framework of
Visegrad Four together with its neighbors, the Czech
Republic, Hungary, and Poland--all members of NATO since
1999--to regional security and stability; and
Whereas NATO will consider at its 2002 summit meeting in
Prague extension of invitations to new democracies of Central
and Eastern Europe to join the Alliance: Now, therefore, be
it
Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of
Representatives that--
(1) the Slovak Republic should be commended for progressing
toward political and economic liberty and for its efforts to
meet the guidelines for prospective North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) members set out in Chapter 5 of the
September 1995 Study on NATO Enlargement;
(2) Slovakia would make significant contributions to
furthering the goals of the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization;
(3) extension of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to
include Slovakia would significantly contribute to security
and peace of Europe and the region as a whole; and
(4) Slovakia should be invited to be a full member of the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization alliance at the NATO 2002
summit in Prague.
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 include extraneous material on H. Res. 253.
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 3 minutes to the gentleman from
New Jersey (Mr. Smith).
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, the
gentleman from California (Chairman Gallegly), for yielding me time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 253, recommending the
integration of Slovakia into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
In my years of service with the Commission on Security and
Cooperation in Europe, I have observed the sometimes difficult
transition to democracy of this Central European country. It has been
very difficult for them. It was because of Slovakia's own authoritarian
leaders, most notably Vladimir Meciar, that Slovakia was rightly
excluded from the accession process in 1997. Today, it is thanks to a
new generation of bright and enlightened Slovak leaders that that
situation has dramatically been reversed.
To the credit of the Dzurinda government, many important changes have
already been undertaken. The support of the U.S. Congress for
Slovakia's admission to NATO reflects the deep respect my colleagues
and all of us have for these remarkable achievements.
Let me just say to my colleagues that the reform process in Slovakia
should not end with the Prague-NATO summit. On the contrary, the long-
term well-being of Slovakia requires that this process continue and
indeed intensify after November.
In this regard, there are three areas that I believe deserve
particular attention.
First, the most recent elections clearly demonstrate Slovakia's
ability to elect pro-democracy, pro-western governments that respect
the sacredness and sanctity of human life. The results of the 1998
elections were not a fluke but an illustration of real and meaningful
democratic transition that first found its voice in civil society and
then in the government itself. The question now is whether that
maturity will also be found in a loyal opposition in the parliament,
one that by definition has policy differences from time to time from
the ruling coalition, but whose ultimate interest is in serving the
Slovak people.
Second, the Slovakia government must make headway in fighting
corruption. Unless and until that happens, the rule of law will remain
weak, economic development will go to other countries, and justice will
be elusive.
Finally, Slovak leaders must address in earnest the scourge of racism
against the Roma. This problem, as we all know, is not unique to
Slovakia. While other countries in the region have moved to counter the
most alarming manifestations of hatred and intolerance, violent
attacks, Slovakia has failed to bring these attacks under control. The
NATO Participation Act of 1994, I would remind my colleagues, which all
of us supported, made clear that ``participants in the Partnership for
Peace should be invited to become full NATO Members if they remain
committed to protecting the rights of all of their citizens.'' So we
make a strong appeal to the Slovak leadership, please, undertake
aggressive efforts to protect the Roma.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank again my good friend for his leadership
on this issue.
Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume, and I rise in strong support of this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I first would like to commend my good friend and
colleague, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak), for introducing
this important resolution.
Mr. Speaker, just a few minutes ago we considered H. Res. 468, which
endorses membership in NATO for the Slovak Republic, along with six
other applicants. This resolution before us highlights the political,
economic and foreign policy accomplishments of the Slovak Republic
since its ``velvet'' divorce from the Czech Republic in 1993 and
specifically endorses its NATO membership.
Slovakia did not have an easy beginning as an independent country.
Its first post-independence government stalled on political and
economic reforms, in stark contrast to its neighbors to the north, west
and south. But the people of Slovakia elected a reform-minded
government in 1998, which quickly moved to anchor Slovakia in the West,
made NATO membership a cornerstone of its form foreign policy and
joined the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland in a regional, political
and economic grouping.
The Slovak Republic has not only shown progress in the area of free
market economy, but it also began to address different issues of the
past, such as Jewish property restitution and compensation to the
victims of the Holocaust. Relations with the ethnic Hungarian minority
have also improved, and the previous government included three ethnic
Hungarians as ministers. Although much more remains to be done in this
area, I believe that membership in NATO will reinforce the message that
the just treatment of national minorities is a key aspect of
membership.
The Slovak government has already demonstrated that it is interested
in the ability to join NATO, first by participating in the SFOR and the
KFOR operations, and by sending its troops to Afghanistan.
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Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr.
Stupak), the sponsor of this resolution.
Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time
for this opportunity to speak in support of expansion of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Mr. Speaker, I introduced H. Res. 253 to commend the Slovak Republic
for its progress towards political and economic liberty and efforts to
meet the guidelines of prospective NATO membership. Slovakia, once an
authoritative regime, embraced a pro-western government in 1998 and
freed its citizens from international isolation.
On September 21, 2002, the Slovak government successfully held the
third free and fair elections since its independence. Over 70 percent
of the eligible voters turned out to express their new-found democratic
right.
The Slovak Republic now stands ready to play an integral part in
defense of the free world. As a member of NATO, Slovakia would
contribute to protection of member states and significantly benefit the
security and peace of Europe and the region as a whole. Slovakia's
leaders value the prospect of serving in our military alliance, while
its citizens align themselves with NATO's common values and democratic
mission.
The NATO summit to discuss enlargement is scheduled for November 23,
2002, in Prague. That is why this resolution is so timely.
I thank the chairman, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde); the
ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos); the
subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly);
and the ranking member, the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Hilliard) for
moving this resolution forward, because this resolution demonstrates
that, among the other European countries vying for membership, Slovakia
boasts the highest gross domestic product and a key geographical
advantage, surrounded by other NATO member states.
Let us send a clear message that Slovakia would make an excellent
partner and deserves to be counted among the newest members of NATO.
On a personal note, my ancestors are from Slovakia, so I am proud to
present this resolution to the House for its consideration today.
So I ask all Members to support H. Res. 253 and urge our
international community to give Slovakia's bid for NATO membership new
consideration.
Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 3 minutes.
Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 253 was introduced by our previous speaker, the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak), and endorses the candidacy of
Slovakia for NATO membership. In light of the action about to be taken
by the House, I believe this resolution is complimentary to H. Res. 468
and elaborates the reasons why Slovakia should be included in NATO.
{time} 1745
Five years ago, Slovakia was seriously under consideration for NATO
membership, but was denied due to the government in power at the time.
That government was subsequently replaced, but it threatened to return
to power this year, again calling into question Slovakia's candidacy.
However, Slovakia just recently held a very important national election
and the current government has been returned to office. The outcome of
the elections were one of the keys to the status of Slovakia's
application to NATO. The election results did come out to everyone's
satisfaction, and that has lessened the apprehensions about Slovakia's
commitment to NATO.
Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the people of Slovakia for their
strong showing in the election. Over 70 percent of the voting
population actually voted. I also want to commend the work of our
ambassador, Ron Weiser, and his entire embassy staff for their efforts
to encourage a strong voter turnout.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
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 2 minutes to the gentleman from
New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman emeritus of the Committee on
International Relations.
(Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank our distinguished Committee on
International Relations subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Gallegly), for his diligent work in bringing H. Res.
486, the Transatlantic Security and NATO Enlargement Act, before us for
consideration today. As a cosponsor of that resolution, it is my firm
belief that NATO enlargement will not only affirm the importance of the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Act, but it will contribute to the
stability and security of Europe and preserve and enhance its ability
to effectively combat the scourge of terrorism.
Today, the case for NATO enlargement is stronger than ever before.
The September 11 attacks have reminded us of the common interests we
share with our European allies. Thus, not only will NATO enlargement
contribute to the process of integration that has helped us stabilize
Europe over the past 50 years, but it will also help promote the
development of strong new allies in our war on terrorism.
Far from backing away from NATO enlargement, we should welcome all of
those European democracies whose political stability, military
contributions, and commitment to NATO's solidarity would be assets to
the alliance. Each of the candidate countries have made remarkable
progress in transitioning to Western-style democracies and free market
economies. While each nation's challenge is different, they share a
common thread: the desire to adopt a pluralistic form of democracy that
respects human and civil rights, practices tolerance for ethnic and
religious diversity, and demonstrates a healthy respect for the rule of
law. They should be commended for both their accomplishments and their
continued pursuit of these goals.
Accordingly, I wish to strongly urge my colleagues to support this
important resolution. Now, more than ever, we must pursue a wider,
integrated NATO.
Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, we have no further requests for time. At
this point I would urge my colleagues to support the adoption of this
resolution.
Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in support
of H. Res. 253 recommending the integration of the Republic of Slovakia
into NATO.
The people of the Slovak Republic understand the importance of
national security and having the ability to maintain their national
identity and sovereignty. Time and time again over the past centuries
the Slovak people have been denied their independence. That is why they
value the protection and security offered by membership in NATO.
The Slovak Republic has made great strides and significant progress
since its peaceful separation from the Czech Republic in 1993. While
the transition to a newly independent nation has been at times
difficult, the Slovak people are heroes who have survived imposed
monarchy, fascism, communism and forced integration. The Slovak people
are heroes again even in the face of economic challenges and all the
problems of transforming a state economy into a free market and free
enterprise society--they again displayed their courage to align with
the West, free institutions and democracy. Therefore, it is fitting
today that the United States Congress express its support for the
people of Slovakia and their newly independent nation to join in the
security afforded by the NATO organization.
My hope is that Slovakians independence will be protected and
preserved for future generations by its integration into NATO.
I am pleased to join as a cosponsor of this legislative resolution. I
am pleased to be the grandson of Slovak immigrants to the United
States. May God Bless the Slovak people and May God Bless the United
States in these difficult times of national security.
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 resolution, H. Res. 253, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was
agreed to.
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The title of the resolution was amended so as to read: ``Resolution
recommending the integration of the Slovak Republic into the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).''.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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