S.Amdt. 2341

1. Adds SEC. 1208. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON DEFENSE COOPERATION WITH GEORGIA at the end of subtitle A of title XII

   Adds a section

   In S. 1197 · Placed on Calendar Senate

   (g) Repeal of Superseded Authority.--Section 1206 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112-81; 125 Stat. 1624; 22 U.S.C. 2151 note) is repealed.

   Inserted: SEC. 1208. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON DEFENSE COOPERATION WITH GEORGIA.

   Inserted: (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:

   Inserted: (1) 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 in Afghanistan, currently serving as the largest non-NATO contributor and without caveats in Helmand Province, and as part of the Multi-National Force in Iraq.

   Inserted: (2) 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. 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.

   Inserted: (3) The peaceful transfer of power as the result of the October 2012 parliamentary elections in Georgia represents a major accomplishment toward the Georgian people's creation of a free society and full democracy.

   Inserted: (4) The presidential election of October 2013 marks another major step in this transition to a free and open democracy. 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." This is consistent with significant progress toward a mature and free democracy.

   Inserted: (b) Sense of Congress.--Congress--

   Inserted: (1) declares that the United States supports Georgia's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, 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;

   Inserted: (2) encourages the President to enhance defense cooperation efforts with Georgia and supports the efforts of the Government of Georgia to provide for the defense of its government, people, and sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders;

   Inserted: (3) reaffirms its support for Georgia's NATO membership aspirations and congratulates Georgia on the steps it has taken to further its integration with NATO;

   Inserted: (4) remains committed to assisting the people of Georgia in establishing a free and democratic society in their country; and

   Inserted: (5) congratulates the Government and people of Georgia on the presidential election of October 27, 2013, and commends the Government and people of Georgia on a peaceful and democratic transfer of power and its continued movement toward a free and democratic society.

   Original wording

   At the end of subtitle A of title XII, add the following:

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As printed