[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16]
[Senate]
[Page 22240]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN DEMOCRACIES

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, almost two decades after the fall of the 
Berlin Wall, democracy and the rule of law have become firmly 
entrenched in many Central and Eastern European nations. We must be 
forthright and firm in our support for the continued independence and 
territorial integrity of the still fledgling CEE democracies.
  The political and economic transformation of the region is nothing 
short of breathtaking. After years of untold suffering under Soviet 
rule, these countries have boldly embraced common transatlantic values 
of liberty and democracy with profound and positive consequences.
  Internal reforms, including increased government accountability and 
efforts to eradicate corruption, have spurred economic transformations 
reaching deep within each country. Respect for human rights and 
democratic reforms have invigorated civil society. The progress and 
achievements in the region are inspirational, and I join with the 22 
million Americans of Central and Eastern European heritage in taking 
great pride in the democratization of these former Soviet bloc 
countries.
  But the great strides in freedom and democracy in the region are 
under threat. Russia's recent military incursion into the neighboring 
country of Georgia was a dramatic wake-up call. Some have suggested the 
incursion is a harbinger of Russian desires to limit the sovereignty 
and pro-Western orientation of vulnerable neighboring countries. I hope 
that is not the case.
  Just last month, the leaders of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, 
and Ukraine stood together with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili 
to demonstrate solidarity in the face of Russia's incursion. The United 
States pledged its support for the democratically elected Government of 
Georgia and for Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty. 
European leaders helped broker a cease-fire agreement. The United 
States, Europe, and the CEE nations must continue to stand together in 
the face of Russian aggression and interference in the region.
  Nevertheless, as disturbing as Russia's behavior has been, we must we 
must find a way to step back from the path of confrontation with 
Russia. It makes better sense to find common ground than to engage in 
confrontation. This does not mean indulgence of Russia's recent 
actions. On the contrary, we must find a way to work with Russia 
without ceding freedom and democracy in the region.
  Let me be clear. I am deeply committed to the continued freedom, 
democracy, and independence of the Central and Eastern European 
nations. At the same time, I fully support the democratization of 
Russia. Ultimately, we need to find a way to improve relations with 
Russia, but the effort cannot be one-sided.
  It is in Russia's own economic interest to step up to the plate and 
be a positive member of the international community. Our relationship 
with Russia may be complicated, but we can find common ground in 
working together to strengthen global security, economic stability, and 
democracy. Moreover, the United States needs Russia as a partner in 
building a peaceful and prosperous Europe.
  The United States does not have to choose between the Central and 
Eastern European countries and Russia. We should be able to form real 
partnerships with both.

                          ____________________