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86–304PDF 2003

EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR CYPRUS SETTLEMENT; EXPRESSING

APPRECIATION FOR THE LONGSTANDING SUPPORT AND

FRIENDSHIP OF THE PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT OF THE

UNITED KINGDOM; COMMENDING THE PRIME MINISTER OF

GREAT BRITAIN FOR HIS SUPPORT OF THE U.S. IN THE

EFFORT TO DISARM SADDAM HUSSEIN OF WMD AND FREE

THE IRAQI PEOPLE; AND PROMOTION OF DEMOCRACY,

HUMAN RIGHTS, AND RULE OF LAW IN THE REPUBLIC

OF BELARUS

MARKUP

BEFORE THE

SUBCOMMITTEE ON EUROPE

OF THE

COMMITTEE ON 

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH CONGRESS

FIRST SESSION

ON

H. Res. 165, H. Con. Res. 129, H. Res. 154 and

H.R. 854

APRIL 3, 2003

Serial No. 108–9

Printed for the use of the Committee on International Relations

(

Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.house.gov/international—relations 

(II)

COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 

HENRY J. HYDE, Illinois, Chairman 

JAMES A. LEACH, Iowa 

DOUG BEREUTER, Nebraska 

CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, New Jersey, 

Vice Chairman 

DAN BURTON, Indiana 

ELTON GALLEGLY, California 

ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida 

CASS BALLENGER, North Carolina 

DANA ROHRABACHER, California 

EDWARD R. ROYCE, California 

PETER T. KING, New York 

STEVE CHABOT, Ohio 

AMO HOUGHTON, New York 

JOHN M. MCHUGH, New York 

THOMAS G. TANCREDO, Colorado 

RON PAUL, Texas 

NICK SMITH, Michigan 

JOSEPH R. PITTS, Pennsylvania 

JEFF FLAKE, Arizona 

JO ANN DAVIS, Virginia 

MARK GREEN, Wisconsin 

JERRY WELLER, Illinois 

MIKE PENCE, Indiana 

THADDEUS G. MCCOTTER, Michigan 

WILLIAM J. JANKLOW, South Dakota 

KATHERINE HARRIS, Florida 

TOM LANTOS, California 

HOWARD L. BERMAN, California 

GARY L. ACKERMAN, New York 

ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA, American 

Samoa 

DONALD M. PAYNE, New Jersey 

ROBERT MENENDEZ, New Jersey 

SHERROD BROWN, Ohio 

BRAD SHERMAN, California 

ROBERT WEXLER, Florida 

ELIOT L. ENGEL, New York 

WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT, Massachusetts 

GREGORY W. MEEKS, New York 

BARBARA LEE, California 

JOSEPH CROWLEY, New York 

JOSEPH M. HOEFFEL, Pennsylvania 

EARL BLUMENAUER, Oregon 

SHELLEY BERKLEY, Nevada 

GRACE F. NAPOLITANO, California 

ADAM B. SCHIFF, California 

DIANE E. WATSON, California 

ADAM SMITH, Washington 

BETTY MCCOLLUM, Minnesota 

CHRIS BELL, Texas 

THOMAS E. MOONEY, SR., Staff Director/General Counsel 

ROBERT R. KING, Democratic Staff Director 

SUBCOMMITTEE ON EUROPE

DOUG BEREUTER, Nebraska, Chairman 

DAN BURTON, Indiana 

ELTON GALLEGLY, California 

PETER T. KING, New York 

JO ANN DAVIS, Virginia 

THADDEUS G. McCOTTER, Michigan 

WILLIAM J. JANKLOW, South Dakota 

ROBERT WEXLER, Florida 

ELIOT L. ENGEL, New York 

WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT, Massachusetts 

BARBARA LEE, California 

JOSEPH M. HOEFFEL, Pennsylvania 

EARL BLUMENAUER, Oregon 

VINCE MORELLI, Subcommittee Staff Director 

PATRICK PRISCO, Professional Staff Member 

JONATHAN KATZ, Democratic Professional Staff Member 

BEVERLY HALLOCK, Staff Associate 

(III)

C O N T E N T S 

Page

MARKUP OF: 

H. Res. 165, Expressing support for a renewed effort to find a peaceful, 

just, and lasting settlement to the Cyprus problem .......................................... 2

En Bloc Amendment to H. Res. 165, Offered by Mr. Bereuter ..................... 10

H. Con. Res. 129, Expressing appreciation for the longstanding support and 

friendship of the people and Government of the United Kingdom .................. 13

H. Res. 154, Commending the Prime Minister of Great Britain for his stalwart leadership and unwavering support of the United States in the effort 

to disarm Saddam Hussein of weapons of mass destruction and free the 

Iraqi people of the scourge of brutal dictatorship ............................................. 17

Substitute Amendment to H. Res. 154, Offered by Mr. Bereuter ................ 22

H.R. 854, To provide for the promotion of democracy, human rights, and 

rule of law in the Republic of Belarus and for the consolidation and 

strengthening of Belarus sovereignty and independence ................................. 25

En Bloc Amendments to H.R. 854, Offered by Mr. Bereuter ........................ 44

(1)

EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR CYPRUS SETTLEMENT; EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR THE LONGSTANDING SUPPORT AND FRIENDSHIP OF THE PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM; COMMENDING THE 

PRIME MINISTER OF GREAT BRITAIN FOR HIS SUPPORT 

OF THE U.S. IN THE EFFORT TO DISARM SADDAM HUSSEIN OF WMD AND FREE THE IRAQI PEOPLE; AND PROMOTION OF DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND RULE OF 

LAW IN THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS 

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2003

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SUBCOMMITTEE ON EUROPE, COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, Washington, DC. 

The Subcommittee met, pursuant to call, at 11 a.m. in Room 

2172, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Doug Bereuter [Chairman of the Subcommittee] presiding. 

Mr. BEREUTER. The Subcommittee will come to order. 

Pursuant to notice I call up H. Res. 165 for the purpose of markup. The clerk will report. 

Ms. RUSH. H. Res. 165 expressing support for a renewed effort 

to find a peaceful, just, and lasting settlement to the Cyprus problem. 

[The resolution, H. Res. 165, follows:]

2

1

IV

108TH CONGRESS

1ST SESSION H. RES. 165

Expressing support for a renewed effort to find a peaceful, just, and lasting

settlement to the Cyprus problem.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

MARCH 27, 2003

Mr. BEREUTER (for himself, Mr. BILIRAKIS, Mrs. MALONEY, Mr. DREIER,

Mr. ENGEL, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. CROWLEY, Ms. LEE, Mr.

BLUMENAUER, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. MEEHAN, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. ANDREWS, Mr. FILNER, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, Mr. SHERMAN, Mrs. JO ANN

DAVIS of Virginia, and Mr. MENENDEZ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on International Relations

RESOLUTION

Expressing support for a renewed effort to find a peaceful,

just, and lasting settlement to the Cyprus problem.

Whereas the United States believed there existed a historic

opportunity to bring a peaceful, just, and lasting settlement to the Cyprus problem, which would have benefited

all people of Cyprus and the wider region;

Whereas a resolution of the Cyprus problem remains consistent with American values of promoting stability, freedom, and democracy in the world;

Whereas a resolution of the Cyprus problem is in the strategic interests of the United States, given the important


86304a.AAB
3

2

•HRES 165 IH

location of Cyprus at the crossroads of Europe, Africa,

and Asia;

Whereas the United States strongly supports the efforts of

the United Nations Secretary General, and his Special

Advisor through his good offices mission, to achieve a

comprehensive settlement with respect to Cyprus in full

consideration with relevant United Nations Security

Council resolutions and international treaties;

Whereas a just and lasting resolution of the Cyprus problem,

in full consideration of United Nations Security Council

resolutions and international treaties, will safeguard the

security and fundamental rights of all the population of

Cyprus;

Whereas the United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan,

on November 11, 2002, submitted a proposal for the

comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, referred

to as the ‘‘Basis for an Agreement on a Comprehensive

Settlement of the Cyprus problem’’, which he revised on

December 10, 2002;

Whereas negotiations between the two sides, which had been

ongoing, were encouraged to intensify their efforts in

order that that full agreement could be reached by February 28, 2003, in conformity with the timetable proposed by the United Nations Secretary General in his

proposals;

Whereas United Nations Secretary General Koffi Annan

again on February 26, 2003, gave the two leaders on Cyprus, and the guarantor powers, the United Kingdom,

Greece and Turkey, a second revision of his plan in order

to accommodate input from both sides;


86304a.AAC
4

3

•HRES 165 IH

Whereas the revised plan was the result of exhaustive efforts

by the United Nations and would have lead to a peaceful,

just and lasting settlement of the longstanding division of

Cyprus;

Whereas the Secretary General on February 28, 2003, at the

conclusion of a visit to Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus, invited the 2 leaders to meet with him at The Hague on

March 10, 2003, the purpose of the meeting being to sign

a commitment to submit the plan to approval in separate,

simultaneous referenda on March 30, 2003, in order to

achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, and the guarantor powers were also invited to attend

the meeting and to sign the commitment;

Whereas both leaders on Cyprus did attend the meeting at

The Hague with the Secretary General but the Secretary

General’s plan failed when Turkish Cypriot Leader,

Denktash, rejected both the comprehensive settlement

and the referendum proposal;

Whereas the United States Government expressed its deep

disappointment that the Secretary General’s efforts to

bring his plan for a comprehensive settlement to

referenda by the people of Cyprus was rejected; and

Whereas despite this unfortunate setback, the United States

remains committed to seeking a just and durable settlement to the Cyprus problem: Now, therefore, be it:

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

2 (1) expresses its appreciation for the efforts of

3 the United Nations Secretary General to seek a

4 peaceful, just, and lasting settlement of the Cyprus


86304a.AAD
5

4

•HRES 165 IH

1 problem for the benefit of the people of Cyprus and

2 the region;

3 (2) expresses its strong disappointment that the

4 Secretary General’s efforts to bring his plan for a

5 comprehensive settlement to a referenda by the peo6 ple of Cyprus has been rejected;

7 (3) expresses its very strong regret that Turk8 ish Cypriot leader, Mr. Denktash, rejected the com9 prehensive settlement offered by the Secretary Gen10 eral and denied the Turkish Cypriot people the op11 portunity to determine their own future by refusing

12 to offer the settlement proposal to referenda;

13 (4) remains committed, despite the recent set14 back, to giving any assistance necessary for finding

15 a just and durable settlement for the Cyprus prob16 lem and urges the maximum effort by the United

17 States Government and others to redouble their ef18 forts to seek a just and lasting settlement to the Cy19 prus problem;

20 (5) encourages both Greek and Turkish Cypriot

21 leaders to renew their efforts to find a settlement to

22 the Cyprus problem on the basis of the Secretary

23 General’s framework for a comprehensive settlement;

24 (6) urges the Governments of Turkey and

25 Greece to do everything possible to support the


86304a.AAE
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5

•HRES 165 IH

1 search for a settlement, including actions by the

2 Government of Turkey helping to persuade the

3 Turkish Cypriot leader to reach an agreement which

4 would reunite the island and which would serve the

5 interests of both Cypriot communities; and

6 (7) encourages both sides, upon completion of a

7 comprehensive settlement, to consider putting such

8 an agreement to referenda, if necessary, in order

9 that the will of the people of Cyprus can be demo10 cratically expressed.

Æ


86304a.AAF
7

Mr. BEREUTER. Without objection the resolution will be considered as read and open for an amendment at any point. 

I am the sponsor of this resolution. I happen to think it is one 

of the things we should be doing in this Congress as a responsible 

Subcommittee and Committee. 

I thought we had a great opportunity with maximum leverage to 

finally heal the division of Cyprus, that ancient island civilization. 

I cannot help but recall walking the green line twice in Nicosia 

and seeing how things were frozen on the two sides. In some cases 

I saw Greek Cypriots with weapons and Turkish Cypriots with 

weapons, less than 15 or 20 feet apart. 

We have, I think, four countries involved in peacekeeping activities there. 

I remember on my first visit to the green line, I visited with the 

commander of the British troops which were, by the way, side by 

side with the Argentine troops not too long after the Falkland War. 

That British commander said he had people in his unit whose fathers served there in that unit at that place. That is how long this 

conflict has been going on. 

Last November U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan proposed a 

comprehensive framework for a just and lasting settlement of the 

Cyprus problem. He then asked the Greek and the Turkish Cypriot 

leaders to accept the plan by February 28th. When neither side 

could resolve their differences by the end of February the Secretary 

General asked the two leaders to meet in the Hague on March 10th 

to sign an agreement to put the framework to simultaneous 

referenda on the island. 

Subsequently we learned with great disappointment that the 

Secretary General was told by the Turkish Cypriot leader that he 

could not accept the settlement plan and could not agree to a 

referenda despite the fact that the informal polling indicated that 

a majority of the Turkish Cypriots were prepared to support the 

plan. 

It was regrettable to this Member that the Secretary General’s 

much appreciated work did not come to a successful conclusion. 

Nevertheless we must put our disappointments behind us and find 

a way to revise the negotiations and encourage both the Greek and 

Turkish Cypriot leaders to return to the negotiating table. 

I must say I heard positive things coming out of Ankara just yesterday. 

So the fact that we have some difficulties between Turkey and 

the United States may in fact work to the advantage of finding the 

pressure necessary on Mr. Denktash to move ahead. 

H. Res. 165 commends the U.N. Secretary for his tireless efforts 

to seek a resolution of the Cyprus problem. It expresses the disappointment of the Congress of the United States that the U.N. 

plan for a settlement of the Cyprus problem could not be reached. 

It urges both the Greek and Turkish Cypriots to quickly resume 

negotiations to resolve this problem and urges the United Nations 

and the Bush Administration to redouble their efforts to get the 

talks going once again and to seek a solution that seems to be 

within our grasp. 

8

Pursuant to our consideration of this resolution today, and one 

can hope for a positive reaction to it, I was encouraged to learn, 

as I mentioned, of two very positive initiatives involving Cyprus. 

The first was an announcement by Turkish Prime Minister 

Erdogan that he was sending Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul to Cyprus today to speak with Turkish Cypriot leaders and then to Belgrade next week to speak with Greek leaders. 

I find this initiative to be very welcome and a hopeful sign that 

negotiations could resume soon. I commend the Prime Minister for 

this decision. 

The second was a letter sent yesterday by Turkish Cypriot leader 

Mr. Denktash to President Papadopoulos suggesting some ideas 

which could lead to a renewed dialogue with Greek Cypriots. It is 

a rehash in many ways of things he has said for a long time, but 

I do want to commend Mr. Denktash for his effort and hope that 

something positive may come out of what could be viewed as a confidence building measure. 

I would suggest that in all probability this comes as a result of 

some pressure from Ankara. 

It is clear to the Chair that the people of Cyprus have suffered 

too long under the current unacceptable conditions on the island. 

With membership in the European Union looming ahead, it is important that all Cypriots share in the benefits of that membership 

and that all Cypriots be welcomed into the European community. 

I hope the year 2003 will be the final year of what we refer to 

as the Cyprus problem. 

I refuse to give up on this. This is a time when we should have 

some action. 

I commend all of the interests that have been very responsible 

in examining this legislation, trying to look past some great difficulties we have had in the past. I appreciate all the co-sponsors 

who have joined us in this legislation. 

Now I would like to turn to the distinguished Ranking Member 

of the Subcommittee, the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Wexler, for 

any statement he might have. 

Mr. WEXLER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

I want to thank you for your very significant efforts to find a 

peaceful, just, and lasting resolution to the longstanding Cyprus 

issue. You have been a leader on this very difficult issue and a 

champion for a comprehensive settlement that benefits both Greek 

and Turkish Cypriots. 

Please know that I share your deep disappointment that a comprehensive agreement to support the United Nations proposal, the 

basis for an agreement on a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus conflict, was not reached at the Hague on March 10. I had 

hoped as you did that the U.N. plan would be accepted by both 

sides and voted on in a simultaneous referendum held by both 

Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities on March 30. 

Clearly a great deal of sweat and toil was put into this plan and 

a Herculean effort was made by Secretary General Kofi Annan, 

Bush Administration officials including Special Envoy to Cyprus 

Tom Weston, as well as from members of the international community to finally resolve this issue. 

9

As you very well know, over 29 years of conflict have made this 

an extremely difficult issue to resolve for both the Greek and the 

Turkish Cypriot communities. However, the United States, Turkey, 

Greece and the international community have an obligation and a 

duty to bring both parties back to the negotiation table. It is important that we do not let past failures get in the way of future negotiations in a lasting settlement of this issue. I hope that both Greek 

and Turkish Cypriot leaders will renew their commitment to bridging the divide that separates their people. 

Recent comments, as you have mentioned Mr. Chairman, by both 

the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders have been positive and we 

must, as your resolution does in fact state, redouble our efforts in 

order to secure a lasting settlement. 

Mr. Chairman, a lot of international attention and consternation, 

whether justified or not, has been focused on the Turkish Cypriot 

effort and that of the government of Turkey to do their part to 

bring about a fair resolution to this issue. In this vein, I was very 

pleased to see just yesterday in a press statement by Turkish leader Mr. Denktash, that he has taken positive steps to initiate a new 

process of dialogue and consultation that will hopefully lead to a 

comprehensive settlement. 

Mr. Denktash in his press statement provides a detailed proposal 

which he has presented to Greek Cypriot leader Tassos 

Papadopoulos in a written letter. 

In his letter to Mr. Papadopoulos, Mr. Denktash proposes lifting 

all overseas trade, transport, travel and cultural activities from or 

to both parts of Cyprus. He calls for freedom of movement to be facilitated between the two sides and restrictions on the movement 

of tourists to be lifted. 

His measures also include allowing Greek Cypriot refugees to return to the Greek Cypriot sector of Famagusta. 

Finally, Mr. Denktash has also expressed his willingness to meet 

with Mr. Papadopoulos to discuss the core issues of a comprehensive settlement with the objective of reaching an agreement between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. 

These are a few examples of the positive measures Mr. Denktash 

has proposed in order to restart dialogue and to achieve a comprehensive settlement. 

I hope this Committee and the Bush Administration will encourage Mr. Denktash to continue his efforts and be willing to expend 

a great deal of effort and political capital to move this process forward and to assist Mr. Denktash as he makes difficult decisions. 

As for Turkey’s role which I know has been criticized by some in 

Washington and in Europe, I believe that the new government in 

Ankara which is dealing with several major crises at the same time 

including military action in Iraq, efforts to achieve EU accession, 

a weak economy, and a just resolution to Cyprus, is making every 

legitimate effort to resolve this very difficult issue. 

I am optimistic that Prime Minister Erdogan and his government 

are truly committed to a fair settlement of this issue. 

Last Friday Prime Minister Erdogan offered to bring Turkish 

and Greek Cypriots together with the three guarantor countries—

Turkey, Greece and Britain. 

10

Furthermore, as you mentioned, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul 

will be in Northern Cyprus on Thursday, today, to meet with Turkish Cypriot leaders to discuss efforts to restart talks with the 

Greek leaders. 

Mr. Gul also will be traveling to a Balkan Summit in Belgrade 

where he will meet with Greek leaders to discuss Cyprus. 

These are all positive developments which I hope will be the catalyst for new discussions between both sides. 

When I was in Ankara 21⁄2 weeks ago with Mr. Rogers of Michigan, we talked with Mr. Erdogan who was not yet the Prime Minister, about Cyprus. Mr. Erdogan was totally supportive of the U.N. 

process. So I believe this is an opportunity for us, as your resolution states, to encourage our strong allies in Turkey to continue 

this effort. As we attempt to jumpstart this process again, it is important to recognize that it is going to take an even greater commitment from the United States and the international community 

to achieve a lasting settlement to the Cyprus issue. 

I hope and I am confident that our colleagues on the Europe Subcommittee and throughout the entire Congress will work to achieve 

a just resolution of this issue that is in the best interest of both 

the Greek and Turkish Cypriots as well as the United States. 

Thank you. 

Mr. BEREUTER. We appreciate your statement. This is the time 

of maximum leverage because of the accession of Cyprus to the European Union. 

Are there other Members that have statements? 

Seeing none, I have an amendment at the desk. The clerk will 

report. 

Ms. RUSH. En bloc amendment offered by Mr. Bereuter. 

In the 1st clause of the preamble, strike ‘‘people of Cyprus 

and’’——

[The information referred to follows:]

EN BLOC AMENDMENT TO H. RES. 165

OFFERED BY MR. BEREUTER

In the 1st clause of the preamble, strike ‘‘people of Cyprus and’’ and insert ‘‘Greek 

and Turkish Cypriots, as well as’’

In the 5th clause of the preamble, strike ‘‘the population of Cyprus’’ and insert 

‘‘Greek and Turkish Cypriots’’

In the 6th clause of the preamble after ‘‘2002’’ insert ‘‘and again on February 26, 

2003’’

In the 7th clause of the preamble, strike ‘‘two sides’’ and insert ‘‘Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders’’ and strike ‘‘were encouraged to intensify their efforts’’ and insert ‘‘were encouraged to be intensified’’

In the 8th clause of the preamble, strike ‘‘two leaders on Cyprus’’ and insert 

‘‘Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders’’

In the 10th clause of the preamble, strike ‘‘2’’ and insert ‘‘Greek and Turkish Cypriot’’

In the 11th clause of the preamble, strike ‘‘both leaders on Cyprus’’ and insert 

‘‘both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders’’

In the 12th clause of the preamble strike, ‘‘the people of Cyprus’’ and insert 

‘‘Greek and Turkish Cypriots’’

Page 4, line 1, strike ‘‘people of Cyprus’’ and insert ‘‘Greek and Turkish Cypriots’’ 

Page 4, line 5, strike ‘‘people of Cyprus’’ and insert ‘‘Greek and Turkish Cypriots’’

Page 4, line 10, strike ‘‘people’’ and insert ‘‘community’’

Page 5, line 5, strike ‘‘Cypriot communities’’ and insert ‘‘Greek and Turkish Cypriots’’

Page 5, line 9, strike ‘‘people of Cyprus’’ and insert ‘‘Greek and Turkish Cypriots’’

11

Mr. BEREUTER. Without objection, the amendment will be considered as read and opened for amendment itself. 

This amendment I need to explain. It looks simple and removes 

the reference to the people of Cyprus and in all cases refers to 

Greek and Turkish Cypriots which is consistent throughout. There 

is a date added as well, and in one cases community is inserted for 

people. This was suggested by the State Department. I am not sure 

if it is necessary but they think it is better so we have asked their 

opinion and I am going to offer it, and I do. 

Are there comments on the amendment? 

[No audible response] 

The question then is on the approval of the amendment as offered. All those in favor will say aye. 

[Chorus of ayes] 

Those opposed will say no. 

[No audible response] 

Mr. BEREUTER. In the opinion of the Chair the ayes have it. The 

ayes do have it, the amendment is agreed to. 

Are there further amendments to the legislation? 

[No audible response] 

Mr. BEREUTER. Seeing none, the Chair will now entertain a motion that the bill be reported favorably to the Full Committee as 

amended. 

Mr. WEXLER. So moved. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you. 

The question occurs on the motion to report the Resolution H. 

Res. 165 favorably as amended. 

All in favor will say aye. 

[Chorus of ayes] 

Mr. BEREUTER. All opposed will say no. 

[No audible response] 

Mr. BEREUTER. The motion is approved and the bill is reported 

favorably. 

Without objection the bill will be reported favorably to the Full 

Committee in the form of a single amendment in the nature of a 

substitute incorporating the amendment adopted here today. 

Without objection the staff is directed to make any technical and 

conforming amendments. 

I have invited Mr. Smith who is the prime sponsor of the resolution on Belarus to make comments if he wishes. I think he will be 

arriving shortly. 

We are therefore going to move to the third item on the agenda, 

H. Res. 154 and H. Con. Res. 129. 

What I intend to do to give proper credit to Mr. Vitter, for example, for his initiative, is to pass his resolution with the approval of 

the Subcommittee if it is at all possible, and then move directly to 

Mr. Gallegly’s amendment. 

I have an en bloc amendment prepared which will incorporate 

some changes and some positive things from Mr. Vitter’s resolution 

and I would hope therefore to see that resolution advance to the 

Full Committee. 

Pursuant to notice I call up H. Con. Res. 129 commending the 

United Kingdom for it support for purposes of markup. 

The clerk will report. 

12

Ms. RUSH. H. Con. Res. 129 expressing appreciation for the longstanding support and friendship of the people and the Government 

of the United Kingdom. 

[The resolution, H. Con. Res. 129, follows:]

13

1

IV

108TH CONGRESS

1ST SESSION H. CON. RES. 129

Expressing appreciation for the longstanding support and friendship of the

people and Government of the United Kingdom.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

MARCH 27, 2003

Mr. VITTER submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred

to the Committee on International Relations

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Expressing appreciation for the longstanding support and

friendship of the people and Government of the United

Kingdom.

Whereas there is a long history of consistent friendship and

support between the United States and the United Kingdom;

Whereas these two democracies share a unique relationship

and bond that has stood the test of time;

Whereas the shared history, customs, and language of this

Anglo-American alliance represent one of the strongest

bonds of friendship and mutual benefit in our Nation’s

history;


86304d.AAB
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2

•HCON 129 IH

Whereas the current Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has shown

tremendous support for the United States in this time of

armed conflict;

Whereas Prime Minister Blair has been a devout, resolute,

and steady leader of his people and government and an

important ally to the United States;

Whereas Prime Minister Blair’s support, and the support of

the British Government and the British people, is of

paramount importance to the United States;

Whereas the British House of Commons has voted to support

their armed forces and war effort to fight terrorism in

Iraq;

Whereas the British military has sent more than 45,000

troops to the conflict in Iraq, including members of the

Royal Navy, Air Force and Army; and

Whereas shared principles and ideals have formed the basis

of the enduring friendship between these two nations:

Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate

2 concurring), That Congress—

3 (1) is grateful for the support of the people and

4 Government of the United Kingdom;

5 (2) commends Prime Minister Blair for his

6 steadfast friendship, resolute leadership, and unwav7 ering support;

8 (3) commends the bravery and courage of all

9 members of the British military that stand together


86304d.AAC
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3

•HCON 129 IH

1 with United States and coalition forces in the cur2 rent engagement in Iraq; and

3 (4) hopes that this unique bond of friendship

4 between the United States and the United Kingdom

5 continues in perpetuity.

Æ


86304d.AAD
16

Mr. BEREUTER. I am going to waive an opening statement. 

Does the gentleman have any statement on this particular resolution? 

Mr. WEXLER. Are you going to wait until the next——

Mr. BEREUTER. I am. 

Mr. WEXLER. Then I will do the same. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you. 

Without objection the resolution will be considered as read and 

open for amendments at any point. 

Are there any amendments to the resolution? 

[No audible response] 

The Chair will now entertain a motion that the resolution be reported favorably to the Full Committee. 

Mr. WEXLER. So moved. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you. 

The question occurs on the motion to report H. Con. Res. 129 favorably. All in favor will say aye. 

[Chorus of ayes] 

Mr. BEREUTER. All opposed will say no. 

The motion is approved and the resolution is reported favorably. 

Without objection the staff is directed to make any technical and 

conforming amendments. 

Now therefore we will call up H. Res. 154 commending Prime 

Minister Blair for support for purposes of markup. The clerk will 

report. 

Ms. RUSH. H. Res. 154, a resolution commending the Prime Minister of Great Britain for his stalwart leadership and unwavering 

support of the United States in the effort to disarm Saddam Hussein of weapons of mass destruction——

[The resolution, H. Res. 154, follows:]

17

1

IV

108TH CONGRESS

1ST SESSION H. RES. 154

Commending the Prime Minister of Great Britain for his stalwart leadership

and unwavering support of the United States in the effort to disarm

Saddam Hussein of weapons of mass destruction and free the Iraqi

people of the scourge of brutal dictatorship.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

MARCH 20, 2003

Mr. GALLEGLY submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the

Committee on International Relations

RESOLUTION

Commending the Prime Minister of Great Britain for his

stalwart leadership and unwavering support of the

United States in the effort to disarm Saddam Hussein

of weapons of mass destruction and free the Iraqi people

of the scourge of brutal dictatorship.

Whereas British Prime Minister Tony Blair has shown courageous leadership in cooperating with the United States in

the effort to disarm Saddam Hussein of weapons of mass

destruction;

Whereas Prime Minister Tony Blair has shown great fortitude in championing the urgent necessity to disarm

Saddam Hussein;


86304c.AAB
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2

•HRES 154 IH

Whereas Prime Minister Tony Blair has been a steadfast

supporter of the United States throughout the United

Nations Security Council deliberations on United Nations

Resolution 1441;

Whereas Prime Minister Tony Blair has joined the United

States in condemning Saddam Hussein for subjecting the

Iraqi people to unconscionable brutality and human

rights violations;

Whereas Prime Minister Tony Blair has committed his country’s military to ensuring that Iraq is disarmed of weapons of mass destruction and the Iraqi people are free

from Saddam Hussein’s tyrannical rule;

Whereas the combined efforts of President George W. Bush

and Prime Minister Tony Blair to rid the world of Saddam Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction are in the

best interest of Iraq’s regional neighbors, the international community, and the Iraqi people; and

Whereas the United States and Great Britain stand firm in

collective resolve to rid the world of Saddam Hussein’s

weapons of mass destruction and free the Iraqi people

from the despotic rule of Saddam Hussein: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives com2 mends British Prime Minister Tony Blair for his leader3 ship and cooperation in the effort to disarm Saddam Hus4 sein of weapons of mass destruction and free the Iraqi

5 people from Saddam Hussein’s brutal dictatorship.

Æ


86304c.AAC
19

Mr. BEREUTER. Without objection, the resolution will be considered as read and open for amendments at any point. 

This resolution is offered by our colleague Mr. Gallegly, the 

former Chairman of this Subcommittee, and I speak in support of 

both resolutions and particularly this one which would commend 

the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Blair for their steadfast 

support for the campaign in Iraq to rid Iraq of Saddam Hussein’s 

weapons of mass destruction. 

As I mentioned, these two resolutions are very similar and it is 

my intention to marry the previously approved resolution with the 

Gallegly resolution in the form of a substitute amendment offered 

by the Chair. 

The United Kingdom and its 45,000 heroic men and women who 

are currently in the Iraqi theater have been the most committed 

of our allies fighting as part of the coalition against the Iraq regime. Prime Minister Blair has shown courageous leadership in cooperating with the United States against Iraq despite the views of 

many in the Parliament and the views of a large part of its public. 

Our two colleagues and their co-sponsors believe that Congress 

needs to take the time to salute all of the nations who have been 

willing to join the coalition to rid Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction and its brutal dictatorship. 

We are all aware of the contributions of nations such as Australia, Poland, Denmark, and others. However I do agree with 

them and I believe that a special note of thanks and appreciation 

is certainly due the Government, people and military forces of the 

United Kingdom as well as a special note of praise for the Prime 

Minster. 

I would be pleased to yield now to the gentleman from Florida, 

the Ranking Member, and then we will turn to Mr. Gallegly. 

Mr. WEXLER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will be brief. 

I too want to express my total support for both of these resolutions and commend Mr. Gallegly for bringing this very apt resolution. 

I think it goes without saying that all Americans, whether they 

support the Administration’s policy with respect to Iraq or those 

that may have a differing point of view are extremely appreciative 

and understand the extraordinary commitment that the United 

Kingdom has made to join with the United States. 

It is but one example of the most deep-rooted alliance that the 

United States has. We are grateful to the British people and to 

Prime Minister Blair for their efforts to work in concert with the 

United States. It goes without saying that both countries and both 

peoples benefit from that. 

I would just add if I could, Mr. Chairman, one thing that I think 

we would be remiss not to discuss in the context of this resolution. 

It seems to me that the best way in which the United States and 

this Congress can honor the commitment that Tony Blair has made 

to the United States and to our coalition forces is to give great credence and a degree of credibility to the ideology and the future 

views that Mr. Blair has professed in terms of rebuilding Iraq and 

the manner in which our government goes about reconstructing 

Iraq after the military victory. 

20

Mr. Blair has been very specific in his public comments about the 

need of repairing the Atlantic relationship. Mr. Blair has played I 

think an extremely positive role in encouraging our Administration 

to take great lengths to rebuild the transatlantic alliance and to 

strengthen it and to bring the rebuilding of Iraq to an international 

forum so that it does not become a singularly American or British 

affair but an international process. That is what Mr. Blair believes 

is in the best interest of the coalition, is in the best interest of the 

transatlantic alliance, and I think the manner in which we can 

honor this relationship to its greatest would be to take Mr. Blair’s 

advice very seriously and act upon it. 

Thank you very much. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you, Mr. Wexler. 

Now I am pleased to yield to the distinguished Chairman of another Subcommittee, former Chairman of this Subcommittee, the 

prime sponsor of this resolution, Mr. Gallegly. And I thank him for 

his initiative. 

Mr. GALLEGLY. I thank the Chairman, my good friend from Nebraska. I would like to express my appreciation to you, Mr. Chairman, for scheduling this markup H. Res. 154. 

This resolution commends Prime Minister Tony Blair for his 

leadership and unwavering support of the United States. 

We are partners in the effort to disarm Saddam Hussein of weapons of mass destruction and to free the Iraqi people from Saddam’s 

brutal dictatorship. 

I also appreciate the work by Mr. Vitter on this issue. I am 

pleased that the Chairman will combine the measures into one single resolution for consideration by the Full Committee. 

Mr. Chairman, the American people have learned a great deal 

about Tony Blair in the past several months. As President Bush 

said on March 27th, ‘‘We have learned that he is a man of his 

word. We have learned that he is a man of courage and a man of 

vision. We are proud to have him as a friend.’’

We all share the sentiments expressed by the President. Prime 

Minister Tony Blair and the United Kingdom have been stalwart 

allies at every stage of our effort to disarm Saddam Hussein. 

Tony Blair stood with us at the United Nations in an effort to 

both pass and enforce the provisions of United Nations Resolution 

1441. He also stood with us and continues to be our strongest ally 

as we fight to disarm Iraq and liberate the Iraqi people from Saddam Hussein’s rule. 

Tony Blair has been passionate in describing the brutality of living in Iraq under Saddam Hussein. He has tirelessly fought to 

make sure that the world would never forget the cruel tyrants in 

Baghdad that humiliate, torture and kill their own people without 

mercy whatsoever. 

As the United States and United Kingdom fight to liberate Iraq 

and to remove the threat from the Middle East and the entire 

world, I believe it is appropriate to honor American’s most loyal 

friend, Prime Minister Tony Blair. 

Mr. Chairman, thank you very much for consideration of H. Res. 

154 and I yield back the balance of my time. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you for your statement. 

The gentleman from South Dakota, Governor Janklow. 

21

Mr. JANKLOW. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and I am 

going to be extremely brief. 

Tony Blair, Prime Minister Blair is one of those individuals that 

truly is unique. We come to know them as political figures who ebb 

and flow with what is going on in politics, and then all of a sudden 

there comes a point in time when principle rises above politics. 

Where even in the face of public polls or sentiment by huge numbers are opposed to actions that one is taking as a leader. He understands there are things that are truly more important than politics and things that are truly more important than polls. 

All politicians say that. This is a man who understands it and 

means it. 

As far as the nation of Britain is concerned, the relationship that 

Great Britain and the United States have had is truly unique, 

truly unique since the founding of this country, but for the last 100 

years a good majority of it, I have lived during the time when Britain was under attack and evacuating at Dunkirk and the Yanks 

went and joined the Royal Air Force. On Omaha Beach and Sword 

Beach and Juneau and the other beaches, it was the Americans 

and the Brits arm in arm that were dying together as they landed 

on Normandy. In North Africa it was the American and British together that were winning and dying together, fighting in World 

War II. 

In the Korean War they were at our side. In the Falklands War 

they fought the battle but we provided valuable assistance to them. 

The point I am trying to make is the relationship we have with 

Great Britain is truly unique. It is something that we need to always recognize, notwithstanding at times we have our differences, 

our fundamental principles would tie us together. We call it the bill 

of rights. They go all the way back to a document called the Magna 

Carta. Between the two of us we have imperfect societies but always moving toward greater protection, and I just could not be 

more excited. And to you Mr. Gallegly and to Mr. Vitter for having 

proposed these resolutions, I really commend them. 

Thank you. And thank you Mr. Chairman for moving them forward. 

With enthusiasm, I am excited to support them. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Governor Janklow, thank you for your eloquent 

statement. 

Are there other Members who wish to make a statement? 

Mr. Engel? The gentleman from New York is recognized. 

Mr. ENGEL. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I know we have a vote 

so I am going to be very quick. 

I certainly support the resolution and I just wanted to if I could 

for 30 seconds ask unanimous consent to speak out of turn. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Is there objection? 

[No audible response] 

Mr. BEREUTER. Hearing none, the gentleman may proceed. 

Mr. ENGEL. I had an amendment that I was going to introduce 

and then withdraw, but I just wanted to thank the gentleman for 

the excellent Cyprus resolution and I think that the failure of the 

U.N. Secretary General’s efforts to reach a statement on the Cyprus question was a very unfortunate development. 

22

I just want you to know I was going to put in an amendment and 

then withdraw it, but essentially my amendment was going to say 

that, I will not read the amendment now but I will submit it for 

the record. It is basically talking about the situation on Cyprus and 

celebrating President Papadopoulos of Cyprus. 

I just want to say that according to the Secretary General’s statement of March 11th, President Papadopoulos, and I am going to 

just quote it very quickly, answered that ‘‘he was prepared to submit to the U.N. a plan for a referendum as long as the people knew 

what they were being asked to vote on.’’

To that end President Papadopoulos wished to be sure that the 

gaps regarding Federal legislation as well as constituent state constitutions would be filled and he underlined the importance of 

Greece and Turkey agreeing and committing to the security provisions in the plan, and more time was needed, and these conditions 

need to be fulfilled before a referendum can take place. And he said 

he was prepared not to reopen the substantive provisions if the 

other side was prepared to do likewise. 

So I just wanted to put this in the record. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Without objection your entire statement will be 

made part of the record. 

Mr. ENGEL. I thank you. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Are there further statements? 

I have an amendment in the nature of a substitute at the desk 

which, without objection, will be considered a read. 

The clerk will read. 

Ms. RUSH. Amendment offered by Mr. Bereuter. On page 1, delete the 2nd clause of the preamble. On page 1, insert a——

[The information referred to follows:]

SUBSTITUTE AMENDMENT TO H. RES. 154

OFFERED BY MR. BEREUTER

On page 1, delete the 2nd clause of the preamble 

On page 1, insert a new 1st clause of the preamble to read ‘‘Whereas there is a 

long history of consistent friendship and support between the United States and the 

United Kingdom;’’

On page 1, insert a new 2nd clause in the preamble to read ‘‘Whereas shared principles and ideals have formed the basis of the enduring friendship between the 

United States and the United Kingdom’’

In the 5th clause of the preamble, strike ‘‘has committed his’’ and insert ‘‘along 

with the support of the House of Commons committed the’’

After the 5th clause of the preamble add a new clause to read ‘‘Whereas the British military has deployed more than 45,000 troops to the conflict in Iraq, including 

members of the Royal Army, Navy Marines and Air Force’’

On page 2 delete clause 7 Page 2 line 2 insert ‘‘(1) expresses its grateful support 

of the Government of the United Kingdom; (2) commends British Prime Minister 

Tony Blair for his leadership and cooperation in the effort to disarm Saddam Hussein of weapons of mass destruction and free the Iraqi people from Saddam Hussein’s brutal dictatorship; (3) commends the bravery and courage of all members of 

the British military as well as all coalition forces which stand together with the 

United States in the current engagement in Iraq; and (4) expresses its hope that 

this unique bond of friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom 

continues in perpetuity.’’

Mr. BEREUTER. The amendment is considered as read without objection. 

Mr. Gallegly, I know that you have had a chance to see it. I understand that you are in agreement with it. 

23

It is basically a merger of the elements of H. Con. Res. 129 with 

your own and I urge adoption of the substitute. 

The question then occurs on the amendment. 

All those in favor will say aye. 

[Chorus of ayes] 

Mr. BEREUTER. All those opposed will say no. 

[No audible response] 

Mr. BEREUTER. In the opinion of the Chair the ayes have it. 

Are there further amendments to the bill? 

[No audible response] 

Mr. BEREUTER. The question occurs then on the amendment and 

nature of a substitute. All in favor will say aye. 

[Chorus of ayes] 

Mr. BEREUTER. Those opposed will say no. 

[No audible response] 

Mr. BEREUTER. The Chair will now entertain a motion that the 

resolution be reported favorably to the Full Committee as amended 

by the amendment in the nature of a substitute, and by the way 

I did not announce that the amendment was approved. 

Thank you, Mr. Gallegly. 

The question occurs on the motion to report H. Res. 154 favorably as amended. 

All in favor will say aye. 

[Chorus of ayes] 

Mr. BEREUTER. All opposed will say no. 

The motion is approved and the bill is reported favorably. 

Without objection the staff is directed to make any technical and 

conforming amendments. 

I do not believe we can complete action on the Belarus legislation. It is my intent to come back and do it. I think it is non-controversial. I think it is important that we move it, but I believe we 

would delay the Members and miss a vote potentially. 

The Subcommittee will stand in recess until immediately after 

the vote. We may have a vote on the rule. This is on a previous 

question. 

[Recess] 

Mr. BEREUTER. The Subcommittee will come to order. 

Before I call up the resolution I want to say a few words informally about H. Res. 854. 

First of all it is introduced by our colleague on the Committee, 

Chris Smith, the gentleman from New Jersey. He has been extremely active, as the Chairman and Co-Chairman of the Helsinki 

Commission here in the House, and active in the OSCE. I happen 

to think, in my view, that the resolution is an excellent one and 

it reflects a lot of work. 

I would say from my own experience on the NATO Parliamentary Assembly we have looked into Belarus for some period of time. 

It is the only country that was an associate member that we reluctantly with good cause and unanimously expelled from the assembly because of their outrageous practices, because of their lack of 

democracy and the activities in particular of the President which 

relates to violence. 

24

I would like to call upon Mr. Smith for any introductory comments that he might want to make, even before we proceed to the 

actual markup and I thank the gentleman for his initiative. 

Mr. CHRISTOPHER SMITH. I appreciate the distinguished Chairman for marking up the bill and for his leadership on many issues 

related to Europe and human rights especially today on Belarus. 

This legislation is a bipartisan proposal. It recognizes that things 

are deteriorating in Belorussia, that Belarus, as The Washington 

Post so aptly put it, remains the last dictatorship in Europe and 

certain examples of Lukashenko’s repression rivals that of people 

like Nicolai Cheauchesceau and others in terms of degree, severity, 

with one added caveat. He and his regime are also very much 

complicit in the arms transfer and selling to rogue nations which 

obviously puts our pilots and our men and women in uniform at 

risk. 

This legislation with its mutually reinforcing aspects regarding 

sanctions and its assistance of civil society as well as other monies 

to try to beef up the democratization and the human rights promotion in Belarus, taken together as a whole is a comprehensive 

package to try to really make the difference. 

There are elections coming up very shortly in Belarus that will 

deal with parliamentary and presidential. The problem that we 

have is that in the past they have been a farce. When the pro-democracy candidates won in Belarus just a few years ago, what did 

Lukashenko do? He dissolved it and had his own rogue elections 

to follow. 

I would say to my friend and colleague that in the OSCE which 

I chair and Commissioner Hoeffel and others have all been a part 

of this, we fought very hard to keep them out of the OSCE parliamentary assembly. Unfortunately at the Vienna meeting we lost 

the fight in a recorded vote because things have deteriorated, and 

people were saying let him in, maybe things will get better. Very 

naive, but nevertheless they are back in. 

I thank you for marking this up. The sooner we get this enacted 

into law the better. I do hope that all Members of the Committee 

will, as I will, answer any questions about the particular legislation 

if you are so inclined. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you very much, Mr. Smith. 

Pursuant to notice I call up the bill H. Res. 854 for purposes of 

markup. The clerk will report. 

Ms. RUSH. H.R. 854, to provide for the promotion of democracy, 

human rights, and rule of law in the Republic of Belarus and for 

the consolidation and strengthening of Belarus sovereignty and 

independence. 

[The resolution, H. Res. 854, follows:]

25

1

I

108TH CONGRESS

1ST SESSION H. R. 854

To provide for the promotion of democracy, human rights, and rule of law

in the Republic of Belarus and for the consolidation and strengthening

of Belarus sovereignty and independence.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

FEBRUARY 13, 2003

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey (for himself, Mr. HOYER, Mr. HOEFFEL, and Ms.

SLAUGHTER) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the

Committee on International Relations, and in addition to the Committees

on the Judiciary and Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently

determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL

To provide for the promotion of democracy, human rights,

and rule of law in the Republic of Belarus and for

the consolidation and strengthening of Belarus sovereignty and independence.

1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

3 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

4 This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Belarus Democracy

5 Act of 2003’’.


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•HR 854 IH

1 SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

2 Congress finds that—

3 (1) the United States supports the promotion of

4 democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of

5 law in the Republic of Belarus consistent with its

6 commitments as a participating state of the Organi7 zation for Security and Cooperation in Europe

8 (OSCE);

9 (2) the United States has a vital interest in the

10 independence and sovereignty of the Republic of

11 Belarus and its integration into the European com12 munity of democracies;

13 (3) the last parliamentary election in Belarus

14 deemed to be free and fair by the international com15 munity was conducted in 1995 from which emerged

16 the 13th Supreme Soviet whose democratically and

17 constitutionally derived authorities and powers have

18 been usurped by the authoritarian regime of Presi19 dent Aleksandr Lukashenka;

20 (4) in November 1996, Lukashenka orches21 trated an illegal and unconstitutional referendum

22 that enabled him to impose a new constitution, abol23 ish the duly-elected parliament, the 13th Supreme

24 Soviet, install a largely powerless National Assembly,

25 and extend his term of office to 2001;


86304b.AAC
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•HR 854 IH

1 (5) in May 1999, Belarusian democratic forces

2 challenged Lukashenka’s unconstitutional extension

3 of his presidential term by staging alternative presi4 dential elections which were met with repression;

5 (6) Belarusian democratic forces have organized

6 peaceful demonstrations against the Lukashenka re7 gime in cities and towns throughout Belarus which

8 led to beatings, mass arrests, and extended incarcer9 ations;

10 (7) Victor Gonchar, Anatoly Krasovsky, and

11 Yuri Zakharenka, who have been leaders and sup12 porters of the democratic forces, and Dmitry

13 Zavadsky, a journalist known for his critical report14 ing, have disappeared and are presumed dead;

15 (8) former Belarus Government officials have

16 come forward with credible allegations and evidence

17 that top officials of the Lukashenka regime were in18 volved in the disappearances;

19 (9) the Lukashenka regime systematically

20 harasses and represses the independent media and

21 independent trade unions, imprisons independent

22 journalists, and actively suppresses freedom of

23 speech and expression;

24 (10) the Lukashenka regime harasses the

25 autocephalic Belarusian Orthodox Church, the


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•HR 854 IH

1 Roman Catholic Church, the Jewish community, the

2 Hindu Lights of Kalyasa community, evangelical

3 Protestant churches (such as Baptist and Pente4 costal groups), and other minority religious groups;

5 (11) the Law on Religious Freedom and Reli6 gious Organizations, passed by the National Assem7 bly and signed by Lukashenka on October 31, 2002,

8 establishes one of the most repressive legal regimes

9 in the OSCE region, severely limiting religious free10 dom and placing excessively burdensome government

11 controls on religious practice;

12 (12) the United States, the European Union,

13 the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

14 Parliamentary Assembly, and the OSCE Parliamen15 tary Assembly have not recognized the National As16 sembly;

17 (13) the parliamentary elections of October 15,

18 2000, conducted in the absence of a democratic elec19 tion law, were illegitimate, unconstitutional, plagued

20 by violent human rights abuses committed by the

21 Lukashenka regime, and determined to be non22 democratic by the OSCE; and

23 (14) the presidential election of September 9,

24 2001, was determined by the OSCE and other ob25 servers to be fundamentally unfair and failed to


86304b.AAE
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•HR 854 IH

1 meet the OSCE commitments for democratic elec2 tions formulated in the 1990 Copenhagen Document

3 and featured significant and abusive misconduct by

4 the Lukashenka regime, including—

5 (A) the harassment, arrest, and imprison6 ment of opposition members;

7 (B) the denial of equal and fair access by

8 opposition candidates to the state-controlled

9 media;

10 (C) the seizure of equipment and property

11 of independent nongovernmental organizations

12 and press organizations and the harassment of

13 their staff and management;

14 (D) voting and vote counting procedures

15 that were not transparent; and

16 (E) a campaign of intimidation directed

17 against opposition activists, domestic election

18 observation organizations, opposition and inde19 pendent media, and a libelous media campaign

20 against international observers.

21 SEC. 3. ASSISTANCE TO PROMOTE DEMOCRACY AND CIVIL

22 SOCIETY IN BELARUS.

23 (a) PURPOSES OF ASSISTANCE.—The assistance

24 under this section shall be available for the following pur25 poses:


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•HR 854 IH

1 (1) To assist the people of the Republic of

2 Belarus in regaining their freedom and to enable

3 them to join the European community of democ4 racies.

5 (2) To encourage free and fair presidential,

6 parliamentary, and local elections in Belarus, con7 ducted in a manner consistent with internationally

8 accepted standards and under the supervision of

9 internationally recognized observers.

10 (3) To assist in restoring and strengthening in11 stitutions of democratic governance in Belarus.

12 (b) AUTHORIZATION FOR ASSISTANCE.—To carry out

13 the purposes of subsection (a), the President is authorized

14 to furnish assistance and other support for the activities

15 described in subsection (c), to be provided primarily for

16 indigenous Belarusian groups that are committed to the

17 support of democratic processes.

18 (c) ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED.—Activities that may be

19 supported by assistance under subsection (b) include—

20 (1) the observation of elections and the pro21 motion of free and fair electoral processes;

22 (2) development of democratic political parties;

23 (3) radio and television broadcasting to and

24 within Belarus;


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•HR 854 IH

1 (4) the development of nongovernmental organi2 zations promoting democracy and supporting human

3 rights;

4 (5) the development of independent media

5 working within Belarus and from locations outside

6 the country and supported by nonstate-controlled

7 printing facilities;

8 (6) international exchanges and advanced pro9 fessional training programs for leaders and members

10 of the democratic forces in skill areas central to the

11 development of civil society; and

12 (7) other activities consistent with the purposes

13 of this Act.

14 (d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—

15 (1) IN GENERAL.—There is authorized to be

16 appropriated to the President to carry out this sec17 tion $40,000,000 for fiscal years 2004 and 2005.

18 (2) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.—Amounts appro19 priated pursuant to the authorization of appropria20 tions under paragraph (1) are authorized to remain

21 available until expended.

22 SEC. 4. RADIO BROADCASTING TO BELARUS.

23 (a) PURPOSE.—It is the purpose of this section to

24 authorize increased support for United States Government

25 and surrogate radio broadcasting to the Republic of


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•HR 854 IH

1 Belarus that will facilitate the unhindered dissemination

2 of information.

3 (b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—In addi4 tion to such sums as are otherwise authorized to be appro5 priated, there is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000

6 for each fiscal year for Voice of America and RFE/RL,

7 Incorporated for radio broadcasting to the people of

8 Belarus in languages spoken in Belarus.

9 (c) REPORTING ON RADIO BROADCASTING TO AND

10 IN BELARUS.—Not later than 120 days after the date of

11 the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall sub12 mit to the appropriate congressional committees a report

13 on how funds appropriated and allocated pursuant to the

14 authorizations of appropriations under subsection (b) and

15 section 3(d) will be used to provide AM and FM broad16 casting that covers the territory of Belarus and delivers

17 independent and uncensored programming.

18 SEC. 5. SANCTIONS AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT OF

19 BELARUS.

20 (a) APPLICATION OF SANCTIONS.—The sanctions de21 scribed in subsections (c) through (e) shall apply with re22 spect to the Republic of Belarus until the President deter23 mines and certifies to the appropriate congressional com24 mittees that the Government of Belarus has made signifiVerDate Mar 21 2002 17:45 May 13, 2003 Jkt 086304 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6601 F:\WORK\EUROPE\M040303\86304 HINTREL1 PsN: SHIRL

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•HR 854 IH

1 cant progress in meeting the conditions described in sub2 section (b).

3 (b) CONDITIONS.—The conditions referred to in sub4 section (a) are the following:

5 (1) The release of individuals in Belarus who

6 have been jailed based on political or religious be7 liefs.

8 (2) The withdrawal of politically motivated legal

9 charges against all opposition figures and inde10 pendent journalists in Belarus.

11 (3) A full accounting of the disappearances of

12 opposition leaders and journalists in Belarus, includ13 ing Victor Gonchar, Anatoly Krasovsky, Yuri

14 Zakharenka, and Dmitry Zavadsky, and the prosecu15 tion of those individuals who are responsible for

16 their disappearances.

17 (4) The cessation of all forms of harassment

18 and repression against the independent media, inde19 pendent trade unions, nongovernmental organiza20 tions, religious organizations (including their leader21 ship and members), and the political opposition in

22 Belarus.

23 (5) The implementation of free and fair presi24 dential and parliamentary elections in Belarus conVerDate Mar 21 2002 17:45 May 13, 2003 Jkt 086304 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6601 F:\WORK\EUROPE\M040303\86304 HINTREL1 PsN: SHIRL

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•HR 854 IH

1 sistent with OSCE standards on democratic elections

2 and in cooperation with relevant OSCE institutions.

3 (c) DENIAL OF ENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES

4 OF BELARUSIAN OFFICIALS.—It is the sense of Congress

5 that the President should use his authority under section

6 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.

7 1182(f)) to deny the entry into the United States of any

8 alien who—

9 (1) holds a position in the senior leadership of

10 the Government of Belarus; or

11 (2) is a spouse, minor child, or agent of a per12 son inadmissible under paragraph (1).

13 (d) PROHIBITION ON STRATEGIC EXPORTS TO

14 BELARUS.—

15 (1) PROHIBITION.—No computers, computer

16 software, goods or technology intended to manufac17 ture or service computers, or any other related goods

18 or technology may be exported to Belarus for use by

19 the Government of Belarus, or by its military, police,

20 prison system, or national security agencies. The

21 prohibition of the preceding sentence shall not apply

22 with respect to the export of goods or technology for

23 democracy-building or humanitarian purposes.

24 (2) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this

25 subsection shall prevent the issuance of licenses to


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•HR 854 IH

1 ensure the safety of civil aviation and safe operation

2 of United States–origin commercial passenger air3 craft and to ensure the safety of ocean-going mari4 time traffic in international waters.

5 (e) PROHIBITION ON LOANS AND INVESTMENT.—

6 (1) UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT FINANC7 ING.—No loan, credit guarantee, insurance, financ8 ing, or other similar financial assistance may be ex9 tended by any agency of the United States Govern10 ment (including the Export-Import Bank and the

11 Overseas Private Investment Corporation) to the

12 Government of Belarus, except with respect to the

13 provision of humanitarian goods and agricultural or

14 medical products.

15 (2) TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY.—No

16 funds available to the Trade and Development Agen17 cy may be available for activities of the Agency in

18 or for Belarus.

19 (f) MULTILATERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.—It is

20 the sense of Congress that, in addition to the application

21 of the sanctions described in subsections (c) through (e)

22 to the Republic of Belarus (until the President determines

23 and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees

24 that the Government of Belarus has made significant

25 progress in meeting the conditions described in subsection


86304b.AAL
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•HR 854 IH

1 (b)), the Secretary of the Treasury should instruct the

2 United States Executive Director of each international fi3 nancial institution to which the United States is a member

4 to use the voice and vote of the United States to oppose

5 any extension by those institutions of any financial assist6 ance (including any technical assistance or grant) of any

7 kind to the Government of Belarus, except for loans and

8 assistance that serve humanitarian needs.

9 (g) WAIVER.—The President may waive the applica10 tion of any sanction described in this section with respect

11 to Belarus if the President determines and certifies to the

12 appropriate congressional committees that it is important

13 to the national interests of the United States to do so.

14 SEC. 6. MULTILATERAL COOPERATION.

15 It is the sense of Congress that the President should

16 continue to seek to coordinate with other countries, par17 ticularly European countries, a comprehensive, multilat18 eral strategy to further the purposes of this Act, including,

19 as appropriate, encouraging other countries to take meas20 ures with respect to the Republic of Belarus that are simi21 lar to measures described in this Act.

22 SEC. 7. REPORT.

23 (a) REPORT.—Not later than 90 days after the date

24 of enactment of this Act, and every year thereafter, the

25 President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional


86304b.AAM
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•HR 854 IH

1 committees a report that describes, with respect to the

2 preceding 12-month period, the following:

3 (1) The sale or delivery of weapons or weapons4 related technologies from the Republic of Belarus to

5 any country, the government of which the Secretary

6 of State has determined, for purposes of section

7 6(j)(1) of the Export Administration Act of 1979

8 (50 U.S.C. App. 2405(j)(1)), has repeatedly pro9 vided support for acts of international terrorism.

10 (2) An identification of each country described

11 in paragraph (1) and a detailed description of the

12 weapons or weapons-related technologies involved in

13 the sale.

14 (3) An identification of the goods, services,

15 credits, or other consideration received by Belarus in

16 exchange for the weapons or weapons-related tech17 nologies.

18 (4) The personal assets and wealth of Alek19 sandr Lukashenka and other senior leadership of the

20 Government of Belarus.

21 (b) FORM.—A report transmitted pursuant to sub22 section (a) shall be in unclassified form but may contain

23 a classified annex.

24 SEC. 8. DECLARATION OF POLICY.

25 Congress hereby—


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•HR 854 IH

1 (1) expresses its support to those in the Repub2 lic of Belarus seeking—

3 (A) to promote democracy, human rights,

4 and the rule of law and to consolidate the inde5 pendence and sovereignty of Belarus; and

6 (B) to promote its integration into the Eu7 ropean community of democracies;

8 (2) expresses its grave concern about the dis9 appearances of Victor Gonchar, Anatoly Krasovsky,

10 Yuri Zakharenka, and Dmitry Zavadsky;

11 (3) calls upon the Lukashenka regime to cease

12 its persecution of political opponents or independent

13 journalists and to release those individuals who have

14 been imprisoned for opposing his regime or for exer15 cising their right to freedom of speech;

16 (4) calls upon the Lukashenka regime to end

17 the pattern of clear, gross, and uncorrected viola18 tions of relevant Organization for Security and Co19 operation in Europe (OSCE) human dimension com20 mitments and to respect the basic freedoms of

21 speech, expression, assembly, association, language,

22 culture, and religion or belief;

23 (5) calls upon the Government of the Russian

24 Federation to use its influence to encourage demo25 cratic development in Belarus so that Belarus can


86304b.AAO
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•HR 854 IH

1 become a democratic, prosperous, sovereign, and

2 independent state that is integrated into Europe;

3 (6) calls upon the Government of Belarus to re4 solve the continuing constitutional and political crisis

5 through free, fair, and transparent presidential and

6 parliamentary elections, including, as called for by

7 the OSCE, through respect for human rights, an

8 end to the current climate of fear, meaningful access

9 by the opposition to state media, modification of the

10 electoral code in keeping with OSCE commitments,

11 engagement in genuine talks with the opposition,

12 and modifications to allow for genuine authority for

13 the parliament; and

14 (7) commends the democratic opposition in

15 Belarus for their commitment to freedom, their

16 courage in the face of the repression of the

17 Lukashenka regime in Belarus, and the emergence

18 of a pluralist civil society in Belarus—the foundation

19 for the development of democratic political struc20 tures.

21 SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS.

22 In this Act:

23 (1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT24 TEES.—The term ‘‘appropriate congressional com25 mittees’’ means the Committee on International ReVerDate Mar 21 2002 17:45 May 13, 2003 Jkt 086304 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6601 F:\WORK\EUROPE\M040303\86304 HINTREL1 PsN: SHIRL

86304b.AAP
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•HR 854 IH

1 lations of the House of Representatives and the

2 Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.

3 (2) OSCE.—The term ‘‘OSCE’’ means the Or4 ganization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

5 (3) SENIOR LEADERSHIP OF THE GOVERNMENT

6 OF BELARUS.—The term ‘‘senior leadership of the

7 Government of Belarus’’ includes—

8 (A) the President, Prime Minister, Deputy

9 Prime Ministers, government ministers, Chair10 men of State Committees, and members of the

11 Presidential Administration of Belarus;

12 (B) any official of the Government of

13 Belarus who is personally and substantially in14 volved in the suppression of freedom in Belarus,

15 including judges and prosecutors; and

16 (C) any other individual determined by the

17 Secretary of State (or the Secretary’s designee)

18 to be personally and substantially involved in

19 the formulation or execution of the policies of

20 the Lukashenka regime that are in contradic21 tion of internationally recognized human rights

22 standards.

Æ


86304b.AAQ
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Mr. BEREUTER. Without objection, the bill will be considered as 

read and open for amendments at any point. 

I do have a brief opening statement. 

I would say that a specific hearing was on our notional agenda 

for this Subcommittee, a specific hearing on Belarus, but I know 

that the gentleman has an interest in trying to add this to the 

State Department Authorization Bill so I thought it was appropriate to move ahead at this point on a resolution that I think is 

extremely well crafted. 

So I do support the resolution. 

It was introduced by our colleague who, as I mentioned, is the 

Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. He has focused substantial time and effort on the current and 

unacceptable situation in Belarus. 

All of us here are interested in the independence and sovereignty 

of Belarus and its integration into the European community of democracies. 

Unfortunately the current government in Minsk does not seem 

interested in and certainly has not demonstrated a commitment to 

such goals. According to the Index of Economic Freedom, Belarus 

is one of the least reformed and most repressive of the countries 

that once made up the old Soviet Union. 

Freedom House in its recent Nations in Transit assessment gave 

Belarus, called them a ‘‘presidential dictatorship and a consolidated 

autocracy.’’

In its 2001 Human Rights Report the State Department states 

that, ‘‘The regime’s human rights record continues to be very poor. 

There are widespread human and civil rights violations. There is 

a manipulation of the regime-dominated mass media. And recent 

elections have been neither free nor fair.’’

The provisions of this legislation I think are an appropriate approach to a regime which refuses to recognize the realities of the 

21st Century and I will urge adoption of this bill. 

I will turn now, to the Ranking Minority Member, the distinguished gentleman from Florida. Does he wish to make a statement or is he yielding? 

Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Chairman, with your indulgence Mr. Hoeffel is 

an original sponsor of the bill so I would ask that he be allowed 

to make our statement. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Absolutely. Please proceed, Mr. Hoeffel. 

Mr. HOEFFEL. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for bringing 

this bill up. I also want to thank the Ranking Member for his courtesy this morning. Also, of course, salute Congressman Smith for 

his leadership, his prime sponsorship of this bill and his years of 

work to try to correct the problems in Belarus. 

I want to offer my strong support for the Belarus Democracy Act 

of 2003. We are here today to promote the democratic development 

of one of the world’s most repressed nations, Belarus. 

The Helsinki Commission under Chairman Smith has worked 

hard on this legislation and this issue. I know that Congressman 

Gallegly as well has been very involved in this effort. 

While the rest of Europe including many former Soviet satellites 

have moved forward to embrace winds of reform, this has not hapVerDate Mar 21 2002 17:45 May 13, 2003 Jkt 086304 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6601 F:\WORK\EUROPE\M040303\86304 HINTREL1 PsN: SHIRL
42

pened in Belarus, a nation where authoritarianism, fear and political repression remain unchanged and constant. 

The Dictator Aleksandr Lukashenko has caused his nation to 

suffer greatly, committed grave human rights violations, suppressed political opposition by any means possible including torture, mass arrests, disappearances and detentions. Lukashenko’s 

regime has harassed and repressed the independent media. The 

Chair has already referred to the State Department’s Human 

Rights Report for 2002 which indicates Lukashenko’s regime has 

actually become even worse in its abuse of human rights. 

This legislation is not an easy cure for a nation like Belarus 

that’s experienced the repression on economic and political and social grounds from the President Lukashenko. But organizations 

such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, 

other democratic governments throughout the world are determined to bring freedom to Belarus and the Belarus Democracy Act 

of 2003 would put this country strongly in favor of that reform 

movement. 

Belarus remains a relic of past failure and repression where democracy, human rights and the rule of law are absent and the 

hopes of millions remain unfulfilled. 

The Belarus Democracy Act of 2003 should be a catalyst leading 

to the disintegration of the Lukashenko regime. 

I urge all of my colleagues here today to support this legislation 

and send a strong message that the United States remains firmly 

committed to the future of Belarus. 

I yield back and I thank the Chair for his courtesy. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you. 

Any more statements? 

The gentleman from New York, Mr. Engel is recognized. 

Mr. ENGEL. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

I wish to commend the sponsors of this legislation. I have had 

the opportunity to travel with Belarus. It happens to be the place 

where my mother’s mother emigrated from about 100 years ago, 

and was very interested in going there. 

As I mentioned in one of the hearings we had just last week, if 

you contrast Belarus with Ukraine, while there are many many 

problems in Ukraine with the government that need to be taken 

care of, Belarus unfortunately has tended to look eastward while 

Ukraine has looked westward and we see no change for Mr. 

Lukashenko in terms of democratization or being enlightened. It is 

almost as if he longs for the good old days of the Soviet Union 

when there was total repression and Belarus was in essence a colony of Russia. It looks as if Mr. Lukashenko longs for those good 

old days. 

So I think that this legislation is well balanced. It strikes the 

right chord. 

All of our goals is not to hit anybody over the head with a stick, 

but it is to truly democratize Belarus, to change the outlook there 

of the people. 

We know the Belarussian people like all people strive for freedom, strive for democracy, want to be free. Unfortunately these 

people have lived under the yoke of oppression for so long, first as 

43

part of the Soviet Union and now with a government that kind of 

wishes it was part and parcel of Moscow. 

So I think that we are striking the right balance here. It is very 

good for this Subcommittee and this congress and this Committee 

to be engaged, and I wholly support the legislation wholeheartedly. 

Thank you. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you, Mr. Engel. 

Seeing no further requests for time I have an amendment at the 

desk the clerk will read. 

Ms. RUSH. En bloc amendment offered by Mr. Bereuter, page 7, 

line 17, strike ‘‘$40,000,000’’ and insert ‘‘such sums as may be necessary——’’

[The information referred to follows:]

44

Mr. BEREUTER. I ask unanimous consent that the amendment be 

considered as read. 

This amendment strikes the authorization of a specific funding 

level and substitutes such sums. The fiscal year 2004 budget requests $8 million for Belarus and maybe that figure could be somewhat higher. I am offering this amendment without prejudice. 


86304a.eps
45

The gentleman will have a chance to offer it up in Full Committee, and he may well find me to be a cosponsor of his amendment if he wishes. 

I am hoping that the passage of this legislation by the Subcommittee would in fact strengthen the gentleman’s opportunity to 

put it in the State Department authorization bill. 

That is the purpose for the amendment. It simply changes it to 

such sums as are necessary. 

The question then occurs on the amendment. All those in favor 

will say aye. 

[Chorus of ayes] 

Mr. BEREUTER. Those opposed will say no. 

[No audible response] 

Mr. BEREUTER. The amendment is agreed to. 

Are there further amendments to the legislation? 

Seeing none the Chair will now entertain a motion that the bill 

be favorably reported to the full committed as amended. 

Ms. DAVIS. So moved. 

Mr. BEREUTER. I thank the gentle lady. 

The question occurs on the motion to report the bill H.R. 854 favorably as amended. All in favor will say aye. 

[Chorus of ayes] 

Mr. BEREUTER. All opposed no. 

The motion is approved. The bill is reported favorably. 

Without objection the bill will be reported favorably in the Full 

Committee in the form of a single amendment in the nature of a 

substitute incorporating the amendment adopted here today. 

Without objection the staff is directed to make any technical and 

conforming amendments. 

I thank the Members of the Subcommittee for responding so that 

we can complete this markup. 

The Subcommittee stands adjourned. 

Thank you. 

[Whereupon, at 12 p.m., the Subcommittee was adjourned.]

Æ