[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 215 (Friday, December 18, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1183-E1184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A WORD OF THANKS TO GEORGIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN AND OSCE PA PRESIDENT 
                            GEORGE TSERETELI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 18, 2020

  Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, during this challenging year I have 
periodically taken the floor to update my Congressional colleagues on 
my continued work with our friends and allies across the Atlantic as we 
confront the challenges facing Europe and beyond. This has included not 
only the direct impact of the COVID pandemic itself on public and 
economic health but also in regard to ongoing issues like Russian 
aggression, the violation of human rights in Belarus and other 
countries, and the common threat all countries face from terrorism.
  Today, I take the floor to praise one of our best friends and allies 
in these efforts, George Tsereteli, who is stepping down as President 
of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly--the OSCE PA--as a result of leaving 
the parliament of the Republic of Georgia. During his tenure as 
President, I have significantly deepened my engagement in this valuable 
forum, including being appointed by President Tsereteli earlier this 
year to serve as chair of the OSCE PA committee dealing with security 
matters.
  George Tsereteli is a true leader. During his time as President of 
the OSCE PA, he has spoken out forcefully against the violation of the 
Helsinki Principles which guide relations between OSCE countries and 
emphasized the linkages between these principles. That includes 
condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other neighbors, 
including his own country of Georgia. That also includes condemning the 
violation of human rights that is today so brutally evident in Belarus 
but has in fact been an ongoing issue there as well as in Russia and 
far too many other OSCE countries. True peace, in his view, requires 
respect for human rights. At the same time, George worked with 
parliamentarians from across the OSCE region, respecting their more 
specific concerns on a variety of issues, from combatting corruption to 
environmental protection, and giving them a venue to raise these issues 
in this multilateral forum.
  In this sense, George Tsereteli represents his country well. He 
understands that, if the international community is to assist Georgia 
with the challenges it faces, Georgians must make their contribution to 
security and cooperation across Europe, the OSCE region and beyond.
  George Tsereteli is also a true friend of the United States and of 
the Congress. He keeps in close contact with me and other Members from 
both sides of the aisle. George does the same with our colleagues in 
the Senate. When he visits the United States, George never fails to 
reach out. In between, despite his heavy schedule, George is always 
available when we need his input. In his speeches, George regularly 
recognizes the good work done by the U.S. Helsinki Commission.
  Finally, George Tsereteli understands that it is not only diplomats 
or parliamentarians who contribute to positive change. He has engaged

[[Page E1184]]

and supported those individuals who, as opposition leaders, journalists 
or human rights advocates, act upon their own human rights to defend 
the human rights of others, indeed those of all citizens. This was 
evident in his support for efforts by many of us to hold accountable 
those who were truly responsible for the murder of Russian opposition 
figure Boris Nemtsov, or his suggestions on how best to respond to the 
assault on the citizenry today in Belarus.
  Those of us who have engaged through the OSCE PA will miss having 
George Tsereteli leading our debates from the dais, but I am sure we 
will continue to have opportunities to work with him in his future 
endeavors. I am also sure that, passing the gavel to Peter Lord Bowness 
of the United Kingdom as OSCE PA President, he has left a healthy 
institution in capable hands. As the Assembly undertakes this 
leadership transition, I want to assure my colleagues here in Congress 
and in the OSCE PA of my own enduring commitment to advancing the 
interests of the United States and of its many friends and partners 
throughout the OSCE region.
  On a more personal note, I consider myself blessed to call George 
Tsereteli my friend. He has mentored me, encouraged me, and given me 
extraordinary opportunities to be a voice for my constituents and our 
nation on the international stage. George's humor and kindness have 
enriched my life and the lives of all those who have been fortunate 
enough to crossed his path.
  Madam Speaker, please join me today in saluting the service of George 
Tsereteli as the longest serving leader in the history of the OSCE PA 
as well as recognizing the importance of continued Congressional 
engagement with the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE.

                          ____________________