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94–282PDF 2004

URGING THE GOV. OF UKRAINE TO ENSURE A DEMOCRATIC,

TRANSPARENT, AND FAIR ELECTION PROCESS FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION ON OCTOBER 31, 2004; AND URGING

THE GOV. OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS TO ENSURE A

DEMOCRATIC, TRANSPARENT, AND FAIR ELECTION PROCESS

FOR ITS PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN THE FALL OF 2004

MARKUP

BEFORE THE

SUBCOMMITTEE ON EUROPE

OF THE

COMMITTEE ON 

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH CONGRESS

SECOND SESSION

ON

H. Con. Res. 415 and H. Res. 652

JUNE 17, 2004

Serial No. 108–99

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 

ROY BLUNT, Missouri 

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 

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 

BEN CHANDLER, Kentucky 

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 

ROY BLUNT, Missouri 

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 

JONATHAN KATZ, Democratic Professional Staff Member 

PATRICK PRISCO, Professional Staff Member 

BEVERLY HALLOCK, Staff Associate 

(III)

C O N T E N T S 

Page

MARKUP OF 

H. Con. Res. 415, Urging the Government of Ukraine to ensure a democratic, 

transparent, and fair election process for the presidential election on October 31, 2004 .......................................................................................................... 2

H. Res. 652, Urging the Government of the Republic of Belarus to ensure 

a democratic, transparent, and fair election process for its parliamentary 

elections in the fall of 2004 ................................................................................. 11

(1)

URGING THE GOV. OF UKRAINE TO ENSURE A DEMOCRATIC, TRANSPARENT, AND FAIR ELECTION PROCESS 

FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION ON OCTOBER 31, 2004; 

AND URGING THE GOV. OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS 

TO ENSURE A DEMOCRATIC, TRANSPARENT, AND FAIR 

ELECTION PROCESS FOR ITS PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 

IN THE FALL OF 2004

THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2004

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

The Subcommittee met, pursuant to call, at 10:05 a.m. in Room 

2255, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Douglas Bereuter 

[Chairman of the Subcommittee] presiding. 

Mr. BEREUTER. The Europe Subcommittee will come to order. We 

are lacking a Member of the Minority, but I am going to proceed 

with the opening statements to expedite the deliberations today so 

that we can move to a Full Committee hearing at 10:30 a.m. 

I would like to call up first H. Con. Res. 415, Elections in 

Ukraine. The clerk will read the title. 

Ms. HALLOCK. H. Con. Res. 415, Urging the Government of 

Ukraine to ensure a democratic, transparent, and fair election process for the presidential election on October 31, 2004. 

[H. Con. Res. 415 follows:]

2

1

IV

108TH CONGRESS

2D SESSION H. CON. RES. 415

Urging the Government of Ukraine to ensure a democratic, transparent,

and fair election process for the presidential election on October 31, 2004.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

MAY 5, 2004

Mr. HYDE (for himself, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, and Mr. LANTOS) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the

Committee on International Relations

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Urging the Government of Ukraine to ensure a democratic,

transparent, and fair election process for the presidential

election on October 31, 2004.

Whereas the establishment of a democratic, transparent, and

fair election process for the 2004 presidential election in

Ukraine and of a genuinely democratic political system

are prerequisites for that country’s full integration into

the Western community of nations as an equal member,

including into organizations such as the North Atlantic

Treaty Organization (NATO);

Whereas the Government of Ukraine has accepted numerous

specific commitments governing the conduct of elections

as a participating State of the Organization for Security


94282a.AAB
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2

•HCON 415 IH

and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), including provisions

of the Copenhagen Document;

Whereas the election on October 31, 2004, of Ukraine’s next

president will provide an unambiguous test of the extent

of the Ukrainian authorities’ commitment to implement

these standards and build a democratic society based on

free elections and the rule of law;

Whereas this election takes place against the backdrop of

previous elections that did not fully meet international

standards and of disturbing trends in the current preelection environment;

Whereas it is the duty of government and public authorities

at all levels to act in a manner consistent with all laws

and regulations governing election procedures and to ensure free and fair elections throughout the entire country,

including preventing activities aimed at undermining the

free exercise of political rights;

Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires a period

of political campaigning conducted in an environment in

which neither administrative action nor violence, intimidation, or detention hinder the parties, political associations, and the candidates from presenting their views and

qualifications to the citizenry, including organizing supporters, conducting public meetings and events throughout the country, and enjoying unimpeded access to television, radio, print, and Internet media on a non-discriminatory basis;

Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires that citizens be guaranteed the right and effective opportunity to

exercise their civil and political rights, including the right

to vote and the right to seek and acquire information


94282a.AAC
4

3

•HCON 415 IH

upon which to make an informed vote, free from intimidation, undue influence, attempts at vote buying, threats

of political retribution, or other forms of coercion by national or local authorities or others;

Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires government and public authorities to ensure that candidates

and political parties enjoy equal treatment before the law

and that government resources are not employed to the

advantage of individual candidates or political parties;

Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires the full

transparency of laws and regulations governing elections,

multiparty representation on election commissions, and

unobstructed access by candidates, political parties, and

domestic and international observers to all election procedures, including voting and vote-counting in all areas of

the country;

Whereas increasing control and manipulation of the media by

national and local officials and others acting at their behest raise grave concerns regarding the commitment of

the Ukrainian authorities to free and fair elections;

Whereas efforts by the national authorities to limit access to

international broadcasting, including Radio Liberty and

the Voice of America, represent an unacceptable infringement on the right of the Ukrainian people to independent

information;

Whereas efforts by national and local officials and others acting at their behest to impose obstacles to free assembly,

free speech, and a free and fair political campaign have

taken place in Donetsk, Sumy, and elsewhere in Ukraine

without condemnation or remedial action by the Ukrainian Government;


94282a.AAD
5

4

•HCON 415 IH

Whereas numerous substantial irregularities have taken place

in recent Ukrainian parliamentary by-elections in the

Donetsk region and in mayoral elections in Mukacheve,

Romny, and Krasniy Luch; and

Whereas the intimidation and violence during the April 18,

2004, mayoral election in Mukacheve, Ukraine, represent

a deliberate attack on the democratic process: Now,

therefore, be it

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate

2 concurring), That the Congress—

3 (1) acknowledges and welcomes the strong rela4 tionship formed between the United States and

5 Ukraine since the restoration of Ukraine’s independ6 ence in 1991;

7 (2) recognizes that a precondition for the full

8 integration of Ukraine into the Western community

9 of nations, including as an equal member in institu10 tions such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organiza11 tion (NATO), is its establishment of a genuinely

12 democratic political system;

13 (3) expresses its strong and continuing support

14 for the efforts of the Ukrainian people to establish

15 a full democracy, the rule of law, and respect for

16 human rights in Ukraine;

17 (4) urges the Government of Ukraine to guar18 antee freedom of association and assembly, including

19 the right of candidates, members of political parties,


94282a.AAE
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5

•HCON 415 IH

1 and others to freely assemble, to organize and con2 duct public events, and to exercise these and other

3 rights free from intimidation or harassment by local

4 or national officials or others acting at their behest;

5 (5) urges the Government of Ukraine to meet

6 its Organization for Security and Cooperation in Eu7 rope (OSCE) commitments on democratic elections

8 and to address issues previously identified by the Of9 fice of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

10 (ODIHR) of the OSCE in its final reports on the

11 2002 parliamentary elections and the 1999 presi12 dential elections, such as illegal interference by pub13 lic authorities in the campaign and a high degree of

14 bias in the media;

15 (6) urges the Ukrainian authorities to ensure—

16 (A) the full transparency of election proce17 dures before, during, and after the 2004 presi18 dential elections;

19 (B) free access for Ukrainian and inter20 national election observers;

21 (C) multiparty representation on all elec22 tion commissions;

23 (D) unimpeded access by all parties and

24 candidates to print, radio, television, and Inter25 net media on a non-discriminatory basis;


94282a.AAF
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6

•HCON 415 IH

1 (E) freedom of candidates, members of op2 position parties, and independent media organi3 zations from intimidation or harassment by

4 government officials at all levels via selective

5 tax audits and other regulatory procedures, and

6 in the case of media, license revocations and

7 libel suits, among other measures;

8 (F) a transparent process for complaint

9 and appeals through electoral commissions and

10 within the court system that provides timely

11 and effective remedies; and

12 (G) vigorous prosecution of any individual

13 or organization responsible for violations of

14 election laws or regulations, including the appli15 cation of appropriate administrative or criminal

16 penalties;

17 (7) further calls upon the Government of

18 Ukraine to guarantee election monitors from the

19 ODIHR, other participating States of the OSCE,

20 Ukrainian political parties, candidates’ representa21 tives, nongovernmental organizations, and other pri22 vate institutions and organizations, both foreign and

23 domestic, unobstructed access to all aspects of the

24 election process, including unimpeded access to pub25 lic campaign events, candidates, news media, voting,


94282a.AAG
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7

•HCON 415 IH

1 and post-election tabulation of results and proc2 essing of election challenges and complaints; and

3 (8) pledges its enduring support and assistance

4 to the Ukrainian people’s establishment of a fully

5 free and open democratic system, their creation of a

6 prosperous free market economy, their establishment

7 of a secure independence and freedom from coercion,

8 and their country’s assumption of its rightful place

9 as a full and equal member of the Western commu10 nity of democracies.

Æ


94282a.AAH
9

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

I would like to begin with an opening statement and, of course, 

hear from Ms. Davis if she has any remarks. Then we will take a 

pause with respect to this resolution until the Ranking Minority 

Member or pro tempore arrives. 

I want to first of all applaud Chairman Hyde for introducing this 

important and timely resolution. It has been delayed, frankly, at 

my request only until I had an opportunity to visit Ukraine in a 

recent trip as President of the NATO parliamentary Assembly. 

As the Ukrainians choose a new President this fall, they are 

going to have a historic opportunity to more fully orient their nation towards the West and to work towards membership in EuroAtlantic institutions. 

With its resources and economic potential, Ukraine should pursue a path toward becoming a more stable, independent and democratic nation. Such a path would be seen by many in Europe and 

North America as an important element in the stability of Europe 

and the only way to become a future candidate for the European 

Union. 

Similarly, by committing itself to democratic principles, many 

feel Ukraine could play a positive role as a neighbor to NATO and 

eventually a member as well. In fact, they have said we desire to 

become a member, although certainly that is not an official request 

at this point. 

The development of Ukrainian democracy has been slow and difficult over the past 13 years. By any measure, however, no issue 

will be more important to Ukraine’s future standing with the West 

than the strength of its democracy. 

Because of the importance of relations between Ukraine and the 

West, I and a delegation of other Members of Congress visited Kiev 

a few weeks ago. In meetings with Ukrainian government and parliamentary officials, the delegation emphasized that the door to the 

West is open to Ukraine. The next several months will be a crucial 

test to whether the Ukrainian people and their government are 

willing to make the effort to walk through that door. 

To that end, the upcoming presidential election in October is of 

the greatest importance. Based on problems in past elections in 

Ukraine, concerns have already been raised in the international 

community about whether this election will be open and fair. 

I believe it is important that Ukraine’s leaders understand that 

the presidential election will be regraded as a litmus test of 

Ukraine’s commitment to democracy. In our meetings in Kiev, we 

stressed the importance of a fair and transparent election in the 

fall. The Ukrainian leadership has committed itself, on paper, to an 

electoral process which is free and fair and one which respects 

Ukraine’s international obligations. 

We were told by President Kuchma, Prime Minister Yanukovich, 

Foreign Minister Gryshcenko and Speaker of the Parliament 

Lytvyn that every effort will be made to meet that commitment for 

a good election. Of course, we all hope the international community 

will hold them to their word. 

Finally, H. Con. Res. 415 notes the importance of the presidential elections to the success of Ukraine’s transition to democVerDate Mar 21 2002 12:44 Jul 02, 2004 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6633 F:\WORK\EUROPE\M061704\94282.000 HINTREL1 PsN: SHIRL
10

racy. The resolution addresses the report of government harassment of those who support opposition candidates and of threats of 

violence against opposition leaders and actual violence to their families. It speaks to allegations of harassment of independent media 

in Ukraine and about allegations of possible outright election 

fraud. 

A recent mayoral election in Mukacheve last month suggested 

that some are not prepared to allow the will of the people to prevail 

as it should in a mature democracy. The resolution stresses how 

important it will be for President Kuchma and other senior officials 

to take active steps to ensure that the kind of foul play seen in that 

election does not become the norm during the presidential election. 

We remain committed to assisting Ukrainian efforts to build a 

stable, democratic and prosperous Ukraine. We hope that the elections in October will prove that Ukraine too shares these same 

goals. I, of course, urge the adoption of this resolution. 

Ms. Davis, do you have any comments you would make? 

[Non-verbal response.] 

Mr. BEREUTER. All right. Thank you. 

I would now ask unanimous consent to pause in our deliberations 

on H. Con. Res. 415 and to return to it in a few minutes. Is there 

objection? 

[No response.] 

Mr. BEREUTER. Hearing none, then that will be the order. 

I would like to have the clerk, pursuant to notice, call up Resolution H. Res. 652 for purposes of markup. 

Ms. HALLOCK. H. Res. 652, Urging the Government of the Republic of Belarus to ensure——

[H. Res. 652 follows:]

11

1

IV

108TH CONGRESS

2D SESSION H. RES. 652

Urging the Government of the Republic of Belarus to ensure a democratic,

transparent, and fair election process for its parliamentary elections

in the fall of 2004.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

MAY 20, 2004

Mr. BEREUTER (for himself and Mr. WEXLER) submitted the following

resolution; which was referred to the Committee on International Relations

RESOLUTION

Urging the Government of the Republic of Belarus to ensure

a democratic, transparent, and fair election process for

its parliamentary elections in the fall of 2004.

Whereas the establishment of a democratic, transparent, and

fair election process for the 2004 parliamentary elections

in the Republic of Belarus and of a genuinely democratic

political system are prerequisites for that country’s integration into the Western community of nations;

Whereas the Government of Belarus has accepted numerous

specific commitments governing the conduct of elections

as a participating State of the Organization for Security

and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), including provisions

of the Copenhagen Document;


94282b.AAB
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2

•HRES 652 IH

Whereas the election in the fall of 2004 of Belarus’s next

parliament will provide an unambiguous test of the extent

of the Belarusian authorities’ commitment to implement

these standards and build a democratic society based on

free elections and the rule of law;

Whereas previous parliamentary elections in Belarus have not

fully met international standards;

Whereas it is the duty of government and public authorities

at all levels to act in a manner consistent with all laws

and regulations governing election procedures and to ensure free and fair elections throughout the entire country,

including preventing activities aimed at undermining the

free exercise of political rights;

Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires a period

of political campaigning conducted in an environment in

which neither administrative action nor violence, intimidation, or detention hinder the parties, political associations, and the candidates from presenting their views and

qualifications to the citizenry, including organizing supporters, conducting public meetings and events throughout the country, and enjoying unimpeded access to television, radio, print, and Internet media on a non-discriminatory basis;

Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires that citizens be guaranteed the right and effective opportunity to

exercise their civil and political rights, including the right

to vote free from intimidation, threats of political retribution, or other forms of coercion by national or local authorities or others;

Whereas a genuinely free and fair election requires the full

transparency of laws and regulations governing elections,


94282b.AAC
13

3

•HRES 652 IH

multiparty representation on election commissions, and

unobstructed access by candidates, political parties, and

domestic and international observers to all election procedures, including voting and vote-counting in all areas of

the country;

Whereas control and manipulation of the media by national

and local officials and others acting at their behest could

raise grave concerns regarding the commitment of the

Belarusian authorities to free and fair elections;

Whereas efforts by national and local officials and others acting at their behest to impose obstacles to free assembly,

free speech, and a free and fair political campaign could

call into question the fairness of the upcoming elections;

and

Whereas the arrest or intimidation of opposition political parties and candidates such as the leader of the United Civic

Party and others involved with the opposition including

those associated with the Coalition Five Plus represents

a deliberate assault on the democratic process: Now,

therefore, be it

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

2 (1) looks forward to the development of cordial

3 relations between the United States and the Repub4 lic of Belarus;

5 (2) emphasizes that a precondition for the inte6 gration of Belarus into the Western community of

7 nations is its establishment of a genuinely demo8 cratic political system;


94282b.AAD
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4

•HRES 652 IH

1 (3) expresses its strong and continuing support

2 for the efforts of the Belarusian people to establish

3 a full democracy, the rule of law, and respect for

4 human rights in Belarus;

5 (4) urges the Government of Belarus to guar6 antee freedom of association and assembly, including

7 the right of candidates, members of political parties,

8 and others to freely assemble, to organize and con9 duct public events, and to exercise these and other

10 rights free from intimidation or harassment by local

11 or national officials or others acting at their behest;

12 (5) urges the Government of Belarus to meet

13 its Organization for Security and Cooperation in Eu14 rope (OSCE) commitments on democratic elections;

15 (6) urges the Belarusian authorities to

16 ensure—

17 (A) the full transparency of election proce18 dures before, during, and after the 2004 par19 liamentary elections;

20 (B) free access for Belarusian and inter21 national election observers;

22 (C) multiparty representation on all elec23 tion commissions;


94282b.AAE
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•HRES 652 IH

1 (D) unimpeded access by all parties and

2 candidates to print, radio, television, and Inter3 net media on a non-discriminatory basis;

4 (E) freedom of candidates, members of op5 position parties, and independent media organi6 zations from intimidation or harassment by

7 government officials at all levels via selective

8 tax audits and other regulatory procedures, and

9 in the case of media, license revocations and

10 libel suits, among other measures;

11 (F) a transparent process for complaint

12 and appeals through electoral commissions and

13 within the court system that provides timely

14 and effective remedies; and

15 (G) vigorous prosecution of any individual

16 or organization responsible for violations of

17 election laws or regulations, including the appli18 cation of appropriate administrative or criminal

19 penalties;

20 (7) further calls upon the Government of

21 Belarus to guarantee election monitors from the Of22 fice of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

23 (ODIHR), other participating States of the OSCE,

24 Belarusian political parties, candidates’ representa25 tives, nongovernmental organizations, and other priVerDate Mar 21 2002 12:44 Jul 02, 2004 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6633 F:\WORK\EUROPE\M061704\94282.000 HINTREL1 PsN: SHIRL

94282b.AAF
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•HRES 652 IH

1 vate institutions and organizations, both foreign and

2 domestic, unobstructed access to all aspects of the

3 election process, including unimpeded access to pub4 lic campaign events, candidates, news media, voting,

5 and post-election tabulation of results and proc6 essing of election challenges and complaints;

7 (8) encourages the international community, in8 cluding the Council of Europe, the OSCE, and the

9 OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, to continue their ef10 forts to support democracy in Belarus and urges

11 countries such as Lithuania and other Baltic coun12 tries and Nordic countries to continue to provide as13 sistance to nongovernmental organizations and other

14 Belarusian organizations involved in promoting de15 mocracy and fair elections in Belarus; and

16 (9) pledges its support to the Belarusian peo17 ple, their commitment to a fully free and open demo18 cratic system, their creation of a prosperous free

19 market economy, and their country’s assumption of

20 its rightful place as a full and equal member of the

21 Western community of democracies.

Æ


94282b.AAG
17

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

I would now recognize myself for an opening statement again to 

expedite the activities of the Subcommittee. 

I rise in support of H. Res. 652, of course, regarding the parliamentary elections in Belarus. Thirteen years after the fall of 

communism, Belarus remains one of the few nations in Europe 

where the transition to democracy has not taken sufficient root. 

The current political leadership continues to rule in an authoritarian manner, and its government continues to crack down in 

those individuals and organizations who are trying to help build 

support for democracy and democratic institutions. 

This fall, Belarus will hold parliamentary elections. H. Res. 652 

calls on the government of Belarus to ensure that those elections 

are democratic, transparent and fair. 

Unlike the situation in Ukraine, the government of Belarus has 

thus far not given any indication that it is committed to free and 

fair elections. In fact, according to the United Nations Report on 

Human Rights, President Lukashenko continues his attacks on 

democratic institutions. 

The report says that local elections held in 2003 were neither 

free nor fair. It adds that the judiciary in Belarus is not independent, and the government has restricted freedom of speech, 

press and association and introduced several new decrees that further restrict these basic rights. 

At our hearing in March on Belarus, I mentioned that Speaker 

Dennis Hastert and I met with leaders of the Belarus opposition, 

collectively known as the Coalition Five-Plus, to discuss the elections and their vision for a democratic future for Belarus. This 

group of political parties has united in a common platform in an 

attempt to bring democracy and respectability back to the legislature. 

Unfortunately, members of the opposition political parties and 

participants in political demonstrations have been subjected to increased harassment, surveillance of government agents, arrests 

and physical abuse. For all of these reasons, it is important that 

the United States Government, including this Congress, continues 

to emphatically express our strong support for free, fair and transparent elections and more definitive progress towards establishing 

a functioning democracy in Belarus. 

I would also note that in Europe, the situation in Belarus understandably seems to be of equal concern. The OSCE, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe have all expressed their deep concern over Belarus 

and its forthcoming elections. In fact, I am informed that the 

Chairman of the Belarus Working Group of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, will be in Minsk next week for additional discussions on the elections and will present a resolution of concern on 

Belarus to the Assembly’s next session in Scotland in July. 

H. Res. 652 emphasizes that if Belarus is ever to become more 

integrated into the western community of nations it must work toward the establishment of a genuinely democratic political system 

in which the freedom of association and assembly are guaranteed, 

where political candidates from the opposition will be free from poVerDate Mar 21 2002 12:44 Jul 02, 2004 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 6633 Sfmt 6633 F:\WORK\EUROPE\M061704\94282.000 HINTREL1 PsN: SHIRL
18

litical harassment and intimidation as they campaign for office and 

in which the media is free to act independently, free from governmental control or intimidation. 

Finally, we must have a system in which elections and the electoral process are open, transparent and free. The parliamentary 

elections this fall in Belarus, as in Ukraine, will be a litmus test 

for President Lukashenko’s commitment to democracy and the direction he intends to take Belarus in the future if he continues in 

office. 

H. Res. 652 rather precisely explains the concerns and recommendations of the United States Congress. This resolution was 

introduced by Mr. Wexler and myself, and we have additional cosponsors. 

Ms. Davis, do you have any statement? 

Ms. DAVIS. No. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you very much for your work with the European Parliament. 

I might mention parenthetically that Belarus is an unfortunate 

example when it comes to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly 

where I serve because it is the only country that has ever been expelled from associate membership after much effort to see whether 

or not the Parliament could be moved to a situation where it could 

legitimately be called a parliamentary assembly. 

We did the ultimate and expelled them from associate membership status hoping that efforts of the international community and 

the various organizations will bring them back to the point where 

they can make some progress. 

We will declare a short recess until a Democratic Member of the 

Subcommittee—Mr. Wexler hopefully, but any Member—arrives, 

and then we will take it back up. 

The Subcommittee stands in recess. 

[Recess.] 

Mr. BEREUTER. The Chair will entertain a motion that Resolution 652 be reported favorably to the Full Committee. Would the 

gentlelady care to make such a motion? 

Ms. LEE. So moved. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you. The question occurs then on the motion to report the resolution H. Res. 652 on democracy in Belarus 

favorably. All in favor say aye. 

[Chorus of ayes.] 

Mr. BEREUTER. All opposed say no. 

[No response.] 

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

favorably. The staff is directed to make any technical and conforming amendments. 

The Chair now will call up again after a pause Resolution 415. 

This resolution, of course, is a resolution related to Ukraine introduced by Chairman Hyde, Mr. Smith of New Jersey and Mr. Lantos. 

I would welcome an opening statement from the gentlelady if she 

has one or an extemporaneous one. 

Ms. LEE. Once again, let me just say I am glad it is a bipartisan 

resolution. We are moving democracy forward. We are assisting in 

19

that process, and I think we are working to really establish a 

framework with our support for these elections. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you. 

Ms. LEE. Thank you. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Just to update you, we are on the resolution on 

Ukraine. We would be open for any statement the gentleman would 

like to make at this point. 

[No response.] 

Mr. BEREUTER. Any statements from the Majority? 

[No response.] 

Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you then. The Chair would welcome a motion to report favorably H. Con. Res. 415. 

Ms. LEE. So moved. 

Mr. BEREUTER. Thank you very much. Indeed, the motion is to 

report the resolution H. Con. Res. 415 favorably. All in favor say 

aye. 

[Chorus of ayes.] 

Mr. BEREUTER. All opposed, no. 

[No response.] 

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

favorably. The staff is directed to make any technical and conforming amendments. 

I thank the Members for their participation. I believe we have 

a Full Committee meeting beginning about now with an early 

markup before we move to a hearing on Egypt. 

With no further business, the Subcommittee stands adjourned. 

Thank you. 

[Whereupon, at 10:24 a.m. the Subcommittee was adjourned.]

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