[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Pages 18528-18529]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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   SENATE RESOLUTION 317--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE ON THE 
     CONTINUING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND GEORGIA

  Mr. SESSIONS (for himself and Mrs. Shaheen) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations:

                              S. Res. 317

       Whereas Georgia is a highly valued partner of the United 
     States and has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to 
     advancing the mutual interests of both countries, including 
     through the deployment of Georgian forces as part of the 
     NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in 
     Afghanistan, where Georgia is currently the largest non-NATO 
     contributor and serving without caveats in Helmand Province, 
     and the Multi-National Force in Iraq;
       Whereas, contrary to international law and the 2008 
     ceasefire agreement between Russia and Georgia, Russian 
     forces have constructed barriers, including barbed wire and 
     fences, along the administrative boundary line for the South 
     Ossetia region of Georgia;
       Whereas this ``borderization'' is inconsistent with 
     Russia's international commitments under the August 2008 
     ceasefire agreement, is contrary to Georgia's sovereignty

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     and territorial integrity, creates hardship and significant 
     negative impacts for populations on both sides of these 
     barriers, and is detrimental to long-term conflict 
     resolution;
       Whereas the peaceful transfer of power as the result of the 
     October 2012 parliamentary elections in Georgia represents a 
     major accomplishment toward the creation by the people of 
     Georgia of a free society and full democracy;
       Whereas the presidential election of October 2013 marks 
     another step in this transition to a free and open democracy 
     in Georgia;
       Whereas international election observers from the 
     Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) 
     concluded that the election ``was efficiently administered, 
     transparent, and took place in an amicable and constructive 
     environment [. . .]. Fundamental freedoms of expression, 
     movement and assembly were respected, and candidates were 
     able to campaign without restriction. [. . .] A wide range of 
     views and information was made available to voters through 
     the media, providing candidates with a platform to present 
     their programmes and opinions freely'';
       Whereas such election conduct is consistent with actions 
     that demonstrate progress toward a mature and free democracy; 
     and
       Whereas, on November 29, 2013, Georgia initialed an 
     Association Agreement with the European Union (EU), making 
     Georgia a member of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade 
     Area, removing significant trade restrictions with the 
     European Union, and signifying an important preliminary step 
     towards the signing and eventual implementation of the 
     Association Agreement by all European Union members states 
     and Georgia: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) declares that the United States supports the 
     sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of 
     Georgia and the inviolability of its internationally 
     recognized borders, and expresses concerns over the continued 
     occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South 
     Ossetia by the Russian Federation;
       (2) encourages the President to enhance defense cooperation 
     efforts with Georgia;
       (3) supports the efforts of the Government of Georgia to 
     protect its government, people, sovereignty, and territorial 
     integrity within its internationally recognized borders;
       (4) reaffirms its support for Georgia's NATO membership 
     aspirations, congratulates the Government of Georgia on the 
     steps it has taken to further its integration with NATO, and 
     commends the determination of the Government of Georgia to 
     maintain its troop contribution to International Security 
     Assistance Force and its willingness to extend its mission in 
     Afghanistan beyond 2014;
       (5) congratulates the Government and people of Georgia on 
     the presidential election of October 27, 2013, commends the 
     Government and people of Georgia on a peaceful and democratic 
     transfer of power, and encourages all parties to work 
     together constructively to maintain continued movement toward 
     a free and democratic society;
       (6) strongly encourages the Government of Georgia to defend 
     the rule of law, improve the independence of the judiciary, 
     and protect the rights of political opposition - all 
     essential components of a free and open democracy and which 
     can and should be demonstrated in the upcoming 2014 local 
     elections;
       (7) strongly supports a United States and international 
     election monitoring mission for this final phase of Georgia's 
     election cycle;
       (8) further encourages the Government of Georgia to refrain 
     from politically motivated arrests and prosecutions;
       (9) affirms that the path to lasting stability in this 
     region is through peaceful means and long-term diplomatic and 
     political dialogue; and
       (10) remains committed to assisting the people of Georgia 
     in their efforts to establish an enduring democratic society 
     with strong institutions within the rule of law.

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