[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE TOWARD ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEMOCRATIC AND 
                     PROSPEROUS REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 19, 2012

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, As Chairman of the Subcommittee 
on Europe and Eurasia I have had the privilege of visiting Georgia 
twice in the past two years. Last year I led a bipartisan delegation 
that met with President Saakashvili, his cabinet, Members of Parliament 
and representatives of various opposition parties. Two weeks ago I 
briefly passed through Georgia, where I met with President Saakashvili, 
while traveling between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
  Georgia is a country in transition, the purpose of this resolution is 
not only to acknowledge this fact but to encourage this transition to 
continue. While serious challenges still remain, there is no doubt that 
Georgia is committed to developing a strong democratic government, a 
robust free market economy and joining key international institutions 
including NATO.
  Democratic developments in Georgia range from high level reforms, 
such as changes to the constitution that strengthen the office of the 
Prime Minister as well as the Parliament, to lower level reforms, 
including the creation of ``Public Service Halls'' that provide 
essential government services, including passports and drivers 
licenses, through an efficient and transparent process. As we know, 
economic development follows political reform as investors seek stable 
places to grow their capital. Over the past ten years both the capital 
city, Tbilisi and the Black Sea port of Batumi have been transformed by 
investment into modern European cities. For Georgia's economy to 
continue to grow such investment must continue and reach outside the 
cities to embrace the country as a whole.
  Georgia's commitment to NATO has been exemplary. While many alliance 
members and partners are winding down their commitments to ISAF in 
Afghanistan, Georgia is increasing its commitment to deploy the highest 
per capita troop level of any contributing nation. Georgian soldiers 
are deployed in the dangerous Helmand province where they serve side-
by-side with U.S. soldiers and marines. Although participation in ISAF 
is not a prerequisite for NATO membership, alliance members should 
recognize that Georgia's commitment to Afghanistan as well as the 
country's commitment to democratic and defense reforms will make 
Georgia a model NATO member.
  One major challenge that Georgia faces is Russia's continued 
occupation of two Georgian provinces; Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which 
is in violation of the August 2008 ceasefire agreement. As this 
resolution states, Russia has blocked the extension of OSCE and UN 
observation missions, and prohibits the EU mission from accessing the 
occupied territories. Last year I traveled to the boundary of Abkhazia 
from where one can plainly see that the Russian Army is constructing 
permanent bases including apartment buildings to house its soldiers. 
This Congress must condemn this continued illegal occupation.
  As we know from our own history, building a successful democracy is a 
challenge. In less than two weeks, on October 1st, Georgians will go to 
the polls for parliamentary elections. It is not for those of us in 
Washington or any other capital to influence the outcome of these 
elections. The Georgian people must pick their own leaders. However we 
must urge, as this resolution does, that the Georgian government, the 
independent election commission, and all political parties ensure that 
the Georgian people have their say. The success of the elections as a 
whole, not any one candidate or party, will ensure that Georgia's 
democratic transition continues.
  This resolution, H. Res. 526, is representative of a bipartisan 
effort to recognize Georgia and the progress it has made and symbolizes 
U.S. support for a young, but growing democracy. I want to thank Rep. 
Shuster for his efforts and for introducing this resolution. I also 
want to thank Ranking Member Meeks, Chairman Ros-Lehtinen, and Ranking 
Member Berman and their staff for their support of this Subcommittee's 
efforts to move this resolution.

                          ____________________