December 21, 2005
Senate Resolution 344, expressing support for the Government of Georgia's South Ossetian Peace Plan and the successful and peaceful reintegration of the region into Georgia
Mr. McCAIN (for himself, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Brownback, and Mr. Reid) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:
S. RES. 344
Whereas during December 1991, Georgia was internationally recognized as an independent and sovereign country following the formal dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics;
Whereas the United States supports the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and ongoing democratic reform process in Georgia;
Whereas the United States reaffirms its support for the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Adjura and the restoration of democracy and political stability in that region of Georgia;
Whereas as a result of a conflict from 1991 to 1992, a separatist regime has enforced its rule in the Georgia territory of South Ossetia, impoverishing the people living in South Ossetia, militarizing the area, allowing organized crime to flourish, and posing a threat to the peace and security in the region;
Whereas the Government of Georgia has announced a peace plan to reach a full political settlement to the South Ossetian conflict;
Whereas the Government of Georgia has acknowledged that mistakes were made in its past efforts in dealing with the region of South Ossetia;
Whereas at the 59th meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili outlined specific components of a peace initiative that includes demilitarization, confidence building measures, and economic, social, cultural, and political steps to protect the South Ossetian people and their rights while reintegrating the region, with significant autonomy, into Georgia;
Whereas President Saakashvili reaffirmed the main principles of the peace agreement at the Parliamentary Assembly Council of Europe in January, 2005, held in Strasbourg, France;
Whereas a formal comprehensive peace proposal based on the Strasbourg principles was formally proposed on October 27, 2005, at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe; and Whereas on December 6, 2005, at their 13th Ministerial Council Meeting in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe endorsed the Government of Georgia 's peace plan, stating, "We welcome the steps taken by the Georgian side to address the peaceful resolution of the conflict and believe that the recent proposals, in particular the Peace Plan built upon the initiatives of the President of Georgia presented at the 59th United Nations General Assembly and supported by the sides, will serve as a basis for the peaceful settlement of the conflict":
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-
(1) commends the Government of Georgia for its vision and determination in its efforts to resolve peacefully the conflict in South Ossetia ;
(2) supports the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the democratic Government of Georgia;
(3) urges all Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe participating States to respect fully the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity of Georgia, refraining from any acts constituting a threat of or use of force, direct or indirect, and abiding by the principle of the inviolability of frontiers;
(4) expresses its support for the Government of Georgia's plan to control peacefully and reestablish authority in the region of South Ossetia , viewing it as an opportunity to restore the territorial integrity of the country and to protect the individual rights and democratic liberties of those living in South Ossetia;
(5) urges the United States to increase its efforts in support of the peaceful reincorporation of South Ossetia to Georgia, including efforts to support the greater involvement of the international community, including the Russian Federation, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the European Union, and international organizations in the peaceful settlement of the South Ossetian conflict; and
(6) supports the ongoing democratic transformation in Georgia and will continue to monitor closely the peace process in South Ossetia , including the implementation by all sides of their obligations under the peace plan if it is accepted.
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