A resolution calling on the President of the United States to engage in an open discussion with the leaders of the Republic of Georgia to express support for the planned presidential elections and the expectation that such elections will be held in a manner consistent with democratic principles.

Mr. President, I send a resolution to the desk concerning the upcoming elections in the Republic of Georgia.

I am pleased that Senators Biden and Dodd have agreed to cosponsor this legislation. Our goal is to express our strong hopes that the Republic of Georgia will return to the democratic path and embrace a free and fair election process. The United States was founded on the principles of personal rights and liberties, and we must champion a respect for democracy and human rights. This must include U.S. efforts to expand initiatives that promote freedom of the press and freedom of the media worldwide, which I believe underpin a nation's ability to respect human rights and practice democratic governance.

The international community has monitored closely developments over the last several weeks and months in the Republic of Georgia. I have visited Georgia on several occasions and consider myself a strong friend of the Georgian people.

In 2003 the population of Georgia rose up to overthrow their government. The Rose Revolution, as it was called, was truly an inspirational moment for supporters of democracy and freedom around the world. President Bush has rightly called Georgia and the government of President Saakashvilli ``a beacon for democracy.''

The Georgian President and a strong cabinet of reform-minded leaders have implemented an aggressive reform agenda with the goal of joining the European Union and the NATO Alliance. This independent course was a brave effort to emerge from the authoritarian shadows of the Soviet Union and reduce its dependency on Russia.

In addition to political reforms, Georgia has enjoyed remarkable economic progress. This year the country's economy is estimated to grow at a rate of 9 percent and continues to be an international leader in its economic reform efforts.

Unfortunately, this impressive record has been threatened by recent events that could undermine the progress that has been achieved in Georgia. I was dismayed to learn of the imposition of emergency rule and the government's action to assert control over private media companies. While the threats to Georgia are clear and extremely dangerous, the suspension of basic freedoms was a significant step backward on Tbilisi' s path toward a market oriented, democratic country. It is important that the United States express our concerns about activities that may undermine the strong record that has been built by Georgia.

I was relieved to learn that emergency rule was ended on November 17 and that restrictions on private media will be lifted this week. I applaud the efforts by the Department of State to send a strong, clear and unequivocal message to the government in Tbilisi.

The Republic of Georgia must return to the path of democracy. President Saakashvili has an opportunity to take important steps in this direction by ensuring that all political parties have equal opportunity and access to media coverage and that the election process is free and fair. I recommend that the Government of Georgia reject the strategies of some countries, including most recently Russia, to frustrate and interfere with international election monitors, particularly those from the OSCE. Instead, Georgia should take additional steps to ensure that the OSCE and other constructive organizations who want to observe the elections can participate fully and as quickly as possible.

It is my goal that this resolution will serve as encouragement to President Saakashvili and his government to embrace democracy and ensure that the upcoming elections are the freest and fairest in Georgian history.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 391, and that the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and that any statements relating to the resolution be printed in the Record.