[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 127 (Wednesday, September 19, 2012)]
[House]
[Pages H6083-H6086]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1510
  EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE TOWARD ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEMOCRATIC AND 
                     PROSPEROUS REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 526) expressing the sense of the House of 
Representatives with respect toward the establishment of a democratic 
and prosperous Republic of Georgia and the establishment of a peaceful 
and just resolution to the conflict with Georgia's internationally 
recognized borders, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 526

       Whereas a democratic and stable Republic of Georgia is in 
     the political, security, and economic interests of the United 
     States;
       Whereas the security of the Black Sea and South Caucasus 
     region is important for Euro-Atlantic security, 
     transportation, and energy diversification to and from 
     Central Asia;
       Whereas Georgia has been a reliable partner and ally in 
     enhancing global peace and stability with its significant 
     contribution to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan;
       Whereas the United States-Georgia Charter on Strategic 
     Partnership, signed in January 2009, outlines the importance 
     of the bilateral relationship as well as the intent of both 
     countries to expand democracy and economic programs, enhance 
     defense and security cooperation, further trade and energy 
     cooperation, and build people-to-people cultural exchanges;
       Whereas in October 2010, at the meeting of the United 
     States-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership, Secretary of 
     State Hillary Rodham Clinton stated, ``the United States will 
     not waver in its support for Georgia's sovereignty and 
     territorial integrity'';
       Whereas successive United States Administrations have 
     supported Georgia's aspirations to join the North Atlantic 
     Treaty Organization (NATO);
       Whereas it was declared by the Heads of State and 
     Government participating in the 2008 NATO Summit in 
     Bucharest, and reaffirmed in 2009 at the Summit in Strasbourg 
     and Kehl and in 2010 at the Summit in Lisbon, that Georgia is 
     a NATO aspirant country, and will become a member of NATO;
       Whereas the North Atlantic Council Foreign Ministers, 
     meeting on December 7, 2011, applauded the significant 
     operational support provided to NATO by aspirant partners 
     Georgia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, 
     Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina;
       Whereas the August 2008, military conflict between Russia 
     and Georgia resulted in civilian and military causalities, 
     the violation of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial 
     integrity, and increased the number of internally displaced 
     persons there;
       Whereas large numbers of the Georgian population remain 
     forcefully displaced from the Abkhazia and South Ossetia 
     regions of Georgia as a result of the August 2008 military 
     conflict as well as the earlier conflicts in the 1990s;
       Whereas since 1993, the territorial integrity of Georgia 
     has been reaffirmed by the international community in 36 
     United Nations Security Council resolutions;
       Whereas the August 12, 2008, ceasefire agreement negotiated 
     by the European

[[Page H6084]]

     Union Presidency and agreed to by the Presidents of Georgia 
     and the Russian Federation, provides that all Russian troops 
     shall be withdrawn to pre-conflict positions;
       Whereas the Russian Federation opposed consensus on the 
     extension of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in 
     Europe (OSCE) Mission to Georgia, vetoed the extension of the 
     United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) and 
     blocked the work of the European Union Monitoring Mission 
     (EUMM) in the occupied Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South 
     Ossetia;
       Whereas the United States supports Georgia's independence, 
     sovereignty, and territorial integrity within the 
     internationally recognized borders of Georgia;
       Whereas Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton stated in 
     Tbilisi on July 5, 2010, that, ``We continue to call for 
     Russia to abide by the August 2008 ceasefire commitment. . 
     .including ending the occupation and withdrawing Russian 
     troops from South Ossetia and Abkhazia to their pre-conflict 
     positions'';
       Whereas the White House released a Fact Sheet on July 24, 
     2010, calling for ``Russia to end its occupation of the 
     Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. . .'' and 
     for ``a return of international observers to the two occupied 
     regions of Georgia'';
       Whereas Vice President Joseph Biden stated in Tbilisi in 
     July 2009 that the United States ``will not recognize 
     Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states'';
       Whereas Human Rights Watch concluded in its 2011 World 
     Report that ``Russia continued to exercise effective control 
     over South Ossetia and Abkhazia, preventing international 
     observers' access and vetoing international missions working 
     there'';
       Whereas Human Rights Watch concluded in its 2011 World 
     Report that ``Russia continued to occupy Georgia's breakaway 
     regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and strengthened its 
     military presence in the region by establishing a military 
     base and placing an advanced surface-to-air missile system in 
     Abkhazia'';
       Whereas the Senate of the 112th United States Congress 
     adopted a resolution in July 2011 affirming the United 
     States' support for the sovereignty, independence, and 
     territorial integrity of the country of Georgia and calling 
     upon Russia to remove its occupying forces from Abkhazia and 
     South Ossetia;
       Whereas the United States Helsinki Commission called Russia 
     to cease its continuing, illegal occupation of the South 
     Ossetia and Abkhazia regions of Georgia and allow those who 
     fled their homes during the 2008 war to go back without 
     preconditions;
       Whereas the Russian Federation therefore remains in 
     violation of August 12, 2008, ceasefire agreement;
       Whereas at the April 15, 2011, meeting in Berlin, Germany, 
     between the Georgia foreign minister and foreign ministers of 
     NATO, Secretary of State Clinton stated, ``U.S. support for 
     Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity remains 
     steadfast . . . . We share Georgian concerns regarding recent 
     Russian activities that can negatively affect regional 
     stability.'';
       Whereas on November 23, 2010, Georgian President Mikheil 
     Saakashvili committed before the European Parliament that 
     ``Georgia will never use force to restore its territorial 
     integrity and sovereignty'';
       Whereas the Government of Georgia, beginning with the Rose 
     Revolution of 2003, has taken significant steps toward 
     promoting democratic and economic reforms;
       Whereas in October 2012, Georgia will hold its seventh 
     parliamentary elections since the country gained independence 
     from the Soviet Union in 1991, and prospective presidential 
     elections in 2013 to which the Government of Georgia has 
     invited international election observers;
       Whereas Georgia has initiated positive developments and 
     commitments in the areas of constitutional reforms, 
     strengthening the role of Parliament, and utilizing 
     international election organizations and transparency;
       Whereas the Head of the OSCE/ODIHR long-term Election 
     Observation Mission determined that Georgia's May 2010 
     municipal elections ``were marked by clear improvements and 
     efforts by the authorities to address problems occurring 
     during the process. It is now time to fix the remaining 
     shortcomings and take effective steps to prevent electoral 
     malpractices before the next elections at the national 
     level.''; and
       Whereas recognizing that members of NATO share a common 
     adherence to democratic norms, Georgia can best prepare 
     itself for membership by progressing on its democratic reform 
     agenda and ensuring that upcoming parliamentary and 
     presidential elections are free, fair, and competitive: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) supports strengthened United States engagements with 
     the Republic of Georgia aimed at helping Georgia enhance its 
     security and to restore its territorial integrity through 
     exclusively peaceful means;
       (2) supports the implementation of the United States-
     Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership, with a mutual 
     desire to strengthen the bilateral relationship across 
     political, economic, trade, energy, cultural, scientific, 
     people-to-people, defense, and security fields;
       (3) supports Georgia's North Atlantic Treaty Organization 
     (NATO) membership aspirations and to advance further 
     implementation of decisions taken by the allies at the NATO 
     Summits in Bucharest, Strasbourg and Kehl, and Lisbon with 
     regard to Georgia's NATO membership;
       (4) affirms that it is the policy of the United States to 
     support the sovereignty, independence, and territorial 
     integrity of Georgia and the inviolability of its borders, 
     and to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia as regions of 
     Georgia illegally occupied by the Russian Federation and 
     calls on the Russian Federation to fulfill all terms and 
     conditions of the August 12, 2008, ceasefire agreement, to 
     end the occupation of the Georgian territories of Abkhazia 
     and South Ossetia, and to withdraw completely its troops from 
     the internationally recognized border of Georgia;
       (5) calls upon the Russian Federation, Venezuela, 
     Nicaragua, Tuvalu, and Nauru to reverse the recognition of 
     the occupied Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia 
     as independent and respect the independence, sovereignty, and 
     territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally 
     recognized borders;
       (6) supports the Government of Georgia's commitment to a 
     policy of peaceful, constructive engagement and confidence 
     building measures towards the occupied territories and 
     encourages it to continue to uphold economic and human 
     rights, ensure freedom of movement, facilitate people-to-
     people contacts, and to preserve cultural heritage, language, 
     and ethnic identity aimed at reconciling divided communities 
     of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia;
       (7) urges the Government of Russia and the authorities in 
     control in the regions to allow for the full and dignified, 
     secure, and voluntary return of internally displaced persons 
     and international missions access to the regions of Abkhazia 
     and South Ossetia;
       (8) recognizes progress on government transparency and 
     economic reforms and encourages Georgia to continue 
     strengthening its democracy by implementing reforms that 
     expand media transparency and freedoms, increase government 
     transparency, accountability, and responsiveness, promote 
     political competition and democratic electoral processes, 
     strengthen the rule of law and judicial independence, and 
     further implement judicial reforms; and
       (9) affirms that a peaceful resolution to the conflict is a 
     key priority for the United States in the Caucasus region, 
     and that lasting regional stability can only be achieved 
     through peaceful means and long-term diplomatic and political 
     dialogue between all parties.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida.


                             General Leave

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks 
and to insert extraneous material into the Record on this measure.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  In the last decade, the Republic of Georgia has worked hard to 
implement a series of political, economic, and social reform aimed at 
establishing a democratic and prosperous society. These changes have 
often been difficult and even controversial, but the Georgian 
Government and its people must be commended for continuing to move 
forward. However, there is still much to be done.
  Soon, in the next few months, there will be parliamentary and 
presidential elections. Much is riding on these elections being 
perceived to be free and fair and conducted in full compliance with 
international democratic standards. The U.S. strongly supports 
Georgia's membership in NATO, and the alliance has repeatedly stated 
that the Republic of Georgia will one day be welcomed as a full member.
  Free and fair elections, Mr. Speaker, are fundamental to further 
progress toward Georgia's joining NATO. Nevertheless, Georgia is 
already contributing greatly to the alliance, particularly to the NATO 
mission in Afghanistan, where it is the second largest non-NATO 
contributor.
  Georgia's deployed forces in Afghanistan number over 800 troops, and 
these do not have restrictions on their engagement in combat, which is 
not the case with so many other allies. Georgia has done this even as 
its own security situation remains precarious, given the ongoing 
presence by Russian troops in several regions in Georgia.
  Until Russia fulfills the conditions in its 2008 cease-fire 
agreement, the instability and conflict it has deliberately

[[Page H6085]]

created will, unfortunately, continue. Russia's aggression against 
Georgia poses a threat to the security of the entire region. This 
resolution, therefore, sends a strong message that Russian actions and 
continued military presence in these areas are unacceptable and must 
end immediately.
  I therefore urge my colleagues to join me in support of this 
important resolution.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in strong support of H. Res. 526, and I would like to thank 
the sponsors of this legislation, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. 
Shuster) and my colleague from the Foreign Affairs Committee, Ms. 
Schwartz, also from Pennsylvania, for their leadership on this issue.
  This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives 
with respect to the establishment of the democratic and prosperous 
Republic of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders, 
which includes Abkhazia and South Ossetia as regions of Georgia. It is 
time for Russia to remove its occupying forces from Abkhazia and South 
Ossetia and comply fully with the August 12, 2008, cease-fire 
agreement. It is also time for the Russian Federation, Venezuela, 
Nicaragua, Tuvalu, and Nauru to revoke their recognition of the 
Georgian regions as independent states and respect Georgia's 
sovereignty. The territorial integrity of Georgia has been reaffirmed 
by the international community multiple times in United Nations 
Security Council resolutions.
  I commend Georgia for its commitment to a peaceful reunification of 
its territories and its engagement in constructive confidence-building 
measures towards the occupied territories aimed at reconnecting the 
divided communities.
  Georgia has had success in laying the foundation for a liberal, 
democratic state, and I urge the Government of Georgia to consolidate 
its impressive accomplishments since the 2003 Rose Revolution. The 
reforms needed to strengthen Georgia's nascent democracy are well-
known: an independent judiciary, respect for human rights and the rule 
of law, a vibrant civil society, independent media, accountable and 
transparent policymaking, and a balance of power between the executive 
and legislative branches. These reforms will be the strongest guarantor 
of Georgia's independence and prosperity.
  Ahead of us, the October 1 parliamentary elections can serve as yet 
another important benchmark of the deepening democratic process in 
Georgia. These will be followed by presidential elections. A step 
backwards would not only be a blow to the development of Georgia's 
democracy but, ultimately, to its independence.
  There have been some disturbing reports concerning efforts to prevent 
some political leaders from running in the parliamentary election and 
attempts to intimidate local opposition, including denying them access 
to media. These issues must be addressed in order to ensure that 
Georgia has truly free and fair elections.
  With this resolution today, we affirm that the United States remains 
committed to the sanctity of Georgia's sovereignty and independence and 
to the inviolability of its federation and its internationally 
recognized borders. We also remind Georgia of the opportunity it has 
next month to solidify Georgia's democracy by ensuring free and fair 
elections.
  Let me say, on a personal note, that I am very proud of the 
relationship between the United States and Georgia, and I would look 
forward to a day when Georgia is a member of the European Union and 
also a member of NATO. I think that the West must not overlook its 
commitments in Georgia simply because we may wish to have better 
relations with Russia.
  We can never cast aside democratic principles because they happen to 
be inconvenient at the time. We should stand with the nation of Georgia 
and let the world know, including Russia, that we stand by their 
democracy and will not allow any slipping backwards and will not allow 
Russian hegemony in the area.
  We stand by a free and independent Georgia, so I urge my colleagues 
to support this resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman 
from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster), who is the chairman of the 
Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines 
and Hazardous Materials, a member of the Armed Services Committee, and, 
more importantly, the author of the measure before us.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House 
Resolution 526, which expresses the sense of the House of 
Representatives toward the establishment of a democratic and prosperous 
Republic of Georgia and the establishment of a peaceful and just 
resolution to the conflict with Georgia's internationally recognized 
borders. I also want to stand with the ranking member for his support 
of Georgia. We need to stand by a democratic Georgia, a great ally of 
ours.
  As the cochair of the Congressional Georgia Caucus, I was proud to 
sponsor this resolution along with my cochair and fellow Pennsylvanian, 
Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz.
  Our strategic partnership with Georgia is based on shared values and 
common interests. A democratic and stable Republic of Georgia is in the 
political security and economic interests of the United States.
  Georgian troops have played an important role in a variety of 
challenging missions across the globe, including Kosovo, Iraq, and 
today in Afghanistan. In fact, they just brought home 900 Georgian 
troops and are going to re-up with 1700 troops.
  While that doesn't seem like a lot, 1,700, when we have over 80,000, 
but when you look at a small country like Georgia with 5 million 
people, sending 1,700 troops is the equivalent of the United States of 
America sending over 100,000 troops. They have proven to be a reliable 
ally.
  The level of their professionalism, as well as their sacrifices in 
the mission in which they have been involved so far, clearly 
demonstrates that Georgia has much to bring to the table as a future 
member of NATO and as a reliable ally.
  Internally, Georgia has worked to develop its democratic and market-
based economic institutions for over a decade.
  The August 2008 war with Russia nearly halted the economic 
development, depleted public resources, drove up unemployment, and left 
a severe humanitarian crisis in its wake. A peaceful resolution to the 
conflict is a key priority for the United States in the Caucasus 
region, which is home to another one of our strong allies, Azerbaijan. 
Lasting regional stability can only be achieved through peaceful means 
and long-term diplomatic and political dialogue between all the 
parties.

                              {time}  1520

  It is also timely that we consider this resolution today, as Georgia 
is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on October 1. Georgia has 
put a robust system in place to support a free and fair electoral 
process. These elections will be an important test to Georgia's 
democracy and represent a chance for all Georgians to show the world 
how far they have come in this last decade.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important 
resolution today to express our support for one of our best and most 
important allies, the Republic of Georgia.
  Mr. ENGEL. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Let me say in conclusion I am glad that we have cooperation, as we 
generally do, in the Foreign Affairs Committee for working together on 
these issues. But I just want to say that I wish we had more 
cooperation in working together on some of the other issues of the day.
  We are leaving town in 2 days without enacting into law middle class 
tax cuts, the farm bill, the Violence Against Women Act, a responsible 
deficit reduction. Those are the priorities that are urgent, and we 
should be working on them right now in a bipartisan way--the way we are 
working on these issues. The American people cannot afford a Congress 
that refuses to act on issues critical to middle class families, small 
businesses, farmers, and women. So I just want to urge the Republican 
leadership to let us stay in

[[Page H6086]]

town and complete work and work together for the betterment of the 
American people, the way we are doing with these three resolutions.
  With that, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I have no further requests for time, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support H. Res. 
526, which calls for the establishment of a democratic and prosperous 
Republic of Georgia and a peaceful and just resolution of Georgia's 
conflict with its breakaway regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
  Our country has always backed Georgia's territorial integrity. After 
Russia's 2008 invasion of Georgia, Moscow essentially truncated Georgia 
by recognizing the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. 
Tellingly, no other OSCE state--not even former Soviet republics 
economically dependent on Russia--has followed Moscow's example, 
understanding well the danger of the precedent. Secretary Clinton has 
designated Russia's policy in Abkhazia and South Ossetia as 
``occupation.'' Indeed, Moscow has pursued the ongoing militarization 
of these regions, which are clearly Georgian territory.
  In a remarkable admission, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on 
August 8 that Russia had a contingency plan as early as 2006-2007 for 
war with Georgia and that Moscow had even trained militiamen in South 
Ossetia. As Georgia's Foreign Ministry notes, Putin's acknowledgement 
contradicts ``Russia's earlier assertions that its 2008 military attack 
was in response to a surprise attack from Georgia and that its invasion 
was meant to prevent genocide and protect Russian citizens. It also 
underscores the premeditated nature of the invasion and highlights 
Moscow's utter disregard for international law.''
  The United States will continue to back Georgia's territorial 
integrity. I stand with Georgia's Government in calling on Russia to 
remove its occupying forces and pledge not to use force against 
Georgia. I also note with concern the troubling military exercises 
Russia has scheduled to coincide with Georgia's parliamentary elections 
in October in a blatant attempt at intimidation.
  The upcoming election will be a critical moment in Georgia's 
democratic development. I hope the OSCE will be able to assess the 
election as free and fair. The United States stands ready to help 
Georgia progress towards democracy, as H. Res. 526 demonstrates.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 526, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________