[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.
____________________