[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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