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[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 317 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

113th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 317

   Expressing the sense of the Senate on the continuing relationship 
                 between the United States and Georgia.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           December 11, 2013

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

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
   Expressing the sense of the Senate on the continuing relationship 
                 between the United States and Georgia.

Whereas Georgia is a highly valued partner of the United States and has 
        repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to advancing the mutual interests 
        of both countries, including through the deployment of Georgian forces 
        as part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) 
        in Afghanistan, where Georgia is currently the largest non-NATO 
        contributor and serving without caveats in Helmand Province, and the 
        Multi-National Force in Iraq;
Whereas, contrary to international law and the 2008 ceasefire agreement between 
        Russia and Georgia, Russian forces have constructed barriers, including 
        barbed wire and fences, along the administrative boundary line for the 
        South Ossetia region of Georgia;
Whereas this ``borderization'' is inconsistent with Russia's international 
        commitments under the August 2008 ceasefire agreement, is contrary to 
        Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, creates hardship and 
        significant negative impacts for populations on both sides of these 
        barriers, and is detrimental to long-term conflict resolution;
Whereas the peaceful transfer of power as the result of the October 2012 
        parliamentary elections in Georgia represents a major accomplishment 
        toward the creation by the people of Georgia of a free society and full 
        democracy;
Whereas the Presidential election of October 2013 marks another step in this 
        transition to a free and open democracy in Georgia;
Whereas international election observers from the Organization for Security and 
        Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) concluded that the election ``was 
        efficiently administered, transparent, and took place in an amicable and 
        constructive environment [. . .]. Fundamental freedoms of expression, 
        movement and assembly were respected, and candidates were able to 
        campaign without restriction. [. . .] A wide range of views and 
        information was made available to voters through the media, providing 
        candidates with a platform to present their programmes and opinions 
        freely'';
Whereas such election conduct is consistent with actions that demonstrate 
        progress toward a mature and free democracy; and
Whereas, on November 29, 2013, Georgia initialed an Association Agreement with 
        the European Union (EU), making Georgia a member of the Deep and 
        Comprehensive Free Trade Area, removing significant trade restrictions 
        with the European Union, and signifying an important preliminary step 
        towards the signing and eventual implementation of the Association 
        Agreement by all European Union members states and Georgia: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) declares that the United States supports the 
        sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Georgia 
        and the inviolability of its internationally recognized 
        borders, and expresses concerns over the continued occupation 
        of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by the 
        Russian Federation;
            (2) encourages the President to enhance defense cooperation 
        efforts with Georgia;
            (3) supports the efforts of the Government of Georgia to 
        protect its government, people, sovereignty, and territorial 
        integrity within its internationally recognized borders;
            (4) reaffirms its support for Georgia's NATO membership 
        aspirations, congratulates the Government of Georgia on the 
        steps it has taken to further its integration with NATO, and 
        commends the determination of the Government of Georgia to 
        maintain its troop contribution to International Security 
        Assistance Force and its willingness to extend its mission in 
        Afghanistan beyond 2014;
            (5) congratulates the Government and people of Georgia on 
        the Presidential election of October 27, 2013, commends the 
        Government and people of Georgia on a peaceful and democratic 
        transfer of power, and encourages all parties to work together 
        constructively to maintain continued movement toward a free and 
        democratic society;
            (6) strongly encourages the Government of Georgia to defend 
        the rule of law, improve the independence of the judiciary, and 
        protect the rights of political opposition--all essential 
        components of a free and open democracy and which can and 
        should be demonstrated in the upcoming 2014 local elections;
            (7) strongly supports a United States and international 
        election monitoring mission for this final phase of Georgia's 
        election cycle;
            (8) further encourages the Government of Georgia to refrain 
        from politically motivated arrests and prosecutions;
            (9) affirms that the path to lasting stability in this 
        region is through peaceful means and long-term diplomatic and 
        political dialogue; and
            (10) remains committed to assisting the people of Georgia 
        in their efforts to establish an enduring democratic society 
        with strong institutions within the rule of law.
                                 <all>
```