[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 62 (Thursday, May 12, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5182-S5183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR WITHDRAWAL OF RUSSIAN TROOPS FROM GEORGIA
Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 139 submitted earlier
today.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A resolution (S. Res. 139) expressing support for the
withdrawal of Russian troops from Georgia.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolution.
Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, on April 9, 1991, the Republic of Georgia
declared its independence from the Soviet Union. Later that December,
it was formally recognized by the international community as a
sovereign and independent nation.
Throughout the Cold War, the Soviet Union stationed troops and
maintained military bases in many of the republics and countries along
its border. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, most of these
forces withdrew to Russia and former Soviet military bases were closed.
Today, however, more than a decade after obtaining its independence,
Georgia has not been able to rid itself of the Russian military
presence. Several years ago, Russia pledged to withdraw its military
personnel and close its military bases in Georgia. However, Russia has
failed to fulfill its commitments. More than 3,000 Russian troops are
still present in Georgia.
It is time for these forces to leave. I urge Russia's leaders to
respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, to
fulfill its obligations, and work with Georgia's leaders to end its
military presence there.
In November 2003, the people of Georgia demonstrated their desire to
free themselves of the bonds of foreign domination.
They peacefully protested fraudulent elections and succeeded in
installing a government committed to democracy, human rights, and the
rule of law. The Rose Revolution was a triumph for freedom and has
truly been an inspiration to us all.
Georgia's President Mikheil Saakashvili and the Government and people
of Georgia have exhibited steadfast determination in their efforts to
regain their sovereignty and protect their new democracy.
The United States should continue to support the Georgian people as
they work to strengthen their democratic institutions and end Russia's
military presence.
I applaud President Bush for his recent visit to the Georgia
Republic. And I wholeheartedly support his commitment to the spread of
freedom and democracy in the states of the former Soviet Union.
President Saakashvili and the people of Georgia deserve deep
admiration for their extraordinary accomplishment. I
[[Page S5183]]
am confident that their example will continue to inspire millions
around the world who hope for a future of freedom and prosperity.
Mr. REID. Mr. President, I appreciate the support of the Senate in
approving this resolution regarding the territorial integrity of
Georgia. It is important that the Senate speak on this matter with one
voice and at this time, as President Bush just wrapped up his trip to
Europe and Russia with a 2-day visit to Tiblisi, Georgia.
I was in Georgia 6 weeks ago. I went there at the urging of the
former Prime Minister, who died tragically in an accident several
months ago. The Prime Minister came to visit me here in my Capitol
office, and he described his country to me: mountainous, filled with
historic churches, strategically important, and a friend to the United
States. ``You have to go there,'' he said. I promised him that I would
go there, and even after he died, I wanted to fulfill that commitment.
And after having spent 2 days and nights in Georgia, I can say that
the Prime Minister's description was right on the mark. Georgia is a
beautiful country, with an incredible history and stunning
architecture. Above all, the Georgian people have a wonderful spirit.
Less than years ago, Georgia underwent the peaceful ``Rose
Revolution.'' A group of young, thoughtful and energetic reformers took
on the corrupt leaders of the Soviet era, denying them an opportunity
to steal a parliamentary election. Thousands gathered in Freedom
Square, night after night, to expose the fraud and criminality of the
previous regime. From that point on, there was no turning back.
Democracy had finally arrived in Georgia.
But Georgian sovereignty and independence has been put at some risk
recently through the continued basing of Russian troops on Georgian
soil. Previous agreements negotiated with the Russian government
calling for the complete withdrawal of Russian troops have been
ignored. Some 3,000 Russian military personnel still remain in Georgia.
It is time for them to go. I am confident that President Bush carried
that message to President Putin during his recent visit.
I am glad we could pass this Resolution calling on Russia to support
the territorial integrity of Georgia, and expressing our support for
the Georgian people and their pursuit of democracy. Georgia is our
friend, our ally and our strategic partner. Passage of this resolution
sends exactly the right message to the Russian Government and to the
people of Georgia. Again, I appreciate the support of my colleagues and
I commend the President for his decision to visit Georgia. I know he
was as well received as our Senate delegation was.
Mr. FRIST. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution and preamble
be agreed to en bloc, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table,
and that any statements relating thereto be printed in the Record,
without intervening action or debate.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The resolution (S. Res. 139) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:
S. Res. 139
Whereas, on April 9, 1991, the Republic of Georgia declared
independence from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics;
Whereas, during December 1991, the Republic of Georgia was
internationally recognized as an independent and sovereign
country following the formal dissolution of the Union of
Soviet Socialist Republics;
Whereas the disposition of former Soviet troops stationed
in certain newly independent countries was resolved by 1994
with the complete withdrawal of Russian Federation military
personnel from the Republics of Estonia, Latvia, and
Lithuania;
Whereas in the years following the restoration of Georgian
independence, successive governments of Georgia sought to
negotiate the closure of Russian military bases located in,
and the withdrawal of military personnel from, Georgia;
Whereas, during the Organization for Security and Co-
operation in Europe summit at Istanbul, Turkey in 1999,
Georgia and Russia concluded a bilateral agreement as part of
the Adapted Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty;
Whereas as part of such bilateral agreement, which is known
as the ``Istanbul Commitments'', on November 17, 1999, Russia
committed to close bases at Gudauta and Vaziani by July 1,
2001, and committed to conclude negotiations on bases at
Batumi and Akhalkalaki, and all other Russian military
facilities during 2000;
Whereas Russia has failed to fulfill its obligations under
the Istanbul Commitments;
Whereas more than 3,000 Russian military personnel remain
in Georgia at various bases and facilities throughout the
country;
Whereas, during November 2003, the Georgian people, in the
historic ``Rose Revolution'', peacefully protested fraudulent
elections resulting in the holding of new elections and the
installation of a new government committed to democracy, the
rule of law, observance of human rights, restoration of
sovereignty, and economic development; and
Whereas on March 10, 2005, the democratically elected
Parliament of the Republic of Georgia passed a measure
expressing its dissatisfaction with Russia's continued
military presence in Georgia: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That--
(1) it is the sense of the Senate that--
(A) the Russian Federation should respect the territorial
integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Georgia;
(B) President Mikheil Saakashvili and the Government and
people of Georgia deserve congratulations for the
accomplishments and successful reforms carried out in Georgia
since President Mikheil Saakashvili's inauguration in January
2004, and that the United States should continue to support
such reforms and should encourage and assist Georgia with
strengthening its democratic institutions and resolving its
separatist conflicts peacefully; and
(C) the United States should continue to support Georgia in
its efforts to negotiate an agreement for ending Russia's
military presence in Georgia, in accordance with Russia's
obligations under the bilateral agreement made between Russia
and Georgia as part of the Adapted Conventional Forces in
Europe Treaty known as the ``Istanbul Commitments''; and
(2) the Senate--
(A) supports the efforts of President Bush to encourage
Russia and Georgia to expeditiously reach agreement on the
closure of Russian military bases in, and the withdrawal of
military personnel from, Georgia;
(B) commends President Bush for being the first United
States President to visit Georgia since its recognition as an
independent and sovereign country; and
(C) will continue to monitor the situation in Georgia
closely.
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