SPEAKERS CONTENTS INSERTS
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21–974PDF
2005
CALLING ON FREE AND FAIR PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN; URGING THE GOVERNMENT OF ALBANIA TO ENSURE THAT THE JULY 3, 2005 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS ARE CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS; AND RECOGNIZING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WORKERS' STRIKES IN POLAND THAT LED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SOLIDARITY TRADE UNION
MARKUP
BEFORE THE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EUROPE AND
EMERGING THREATS
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ONE HUNDRED NINTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
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ON
H. Res. 326, H. Con. Res. 155 and H. Res. 328
JUNE 21, 2005
Serial No. 109–46
Printed for the use of the Committee on International Relations
Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.house.gov/international—relations
COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
HENRY J. HYDE, Illinois, Chairman
JAMES A. LEACH, Iowa
CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, New Jersey,
Vice Chairman
DAN BURTON, Indiana
ELTON GALLEGLY, California
ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida
DANA ROHRABACHER, California
EDWARD R. ROYCE, California
PETER T. KING, New York
STEVE CHABOT, Ohio
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THOMAS G. TANCREDO, Colorado
RON PAUL, Texas
DARRELL ISSA, California
JEFF FLAKE, Arizona
JO ANN DAVIS, Virginia
MARK GREEN, Wisconsin
JERRY WELLER, Illinois
MIKE PENCE, Indiana
THADDEUS G. McCOTTER, Michigan
KATHERINE HARRIS, Florida
JOE WILSON, South Carolina
JOHN BOOZMAN, Arkansas
J. GRESHAM BARRETT, South Carolina
CONNIE MACK, Florida
JEFF FORTENBERRY, Nebraska
MICHAEL McCAUL, Texas
TED POE, Texas
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
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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
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
DENNIS A. CARDOZA, California
THOMAS E. MOONEY, SR., Staff Director/General Counsel
ROBERT R. KING, Democratic Staff Director
Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging Threats
ELTON GALLEGLY, California, Chairman
JO ANN DAVIS, Virginia
PETER T. KING, New York, Vice Chairman
THADDEUS G. McCOTTER, Michigan
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DARRELL ISSA, California
TED POE, Texas
J. GRESHAM BARRETT, South Carolina
ROBERT WEXLER, Florida
ELIOT L. ENGEL, New York
SHELLEY BERKLEY, Nevada
GRACE F. NAPOLITANO, California
ADAM B. SCHIFF, California
BEN CHANDLER, Kentucky
RICHARD MEREU, Subcommittee Staff Director
JONATHAN KATZ, Democratic Professional Staff Member
PATRICK PRISCO, Professional Staff Member
BEVERLY HALLOCK, Staff Associate
C O N T E N T S
MARKUP OF
H. Res. 326, Calling for free and fair parliamentary elections in the Republic of Azerbaijan
Amendment to H. Res. 326 offered by the Honorable Elton Gallegly, a Representative in Congress from the State of California, and Chairman, Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging Threats
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H. Con. Res. 155, Urging the Government of the Republic of Albania to ensure that the parliamentary elections to be held on July 3, 2005, are conducted in accordance with international standards for free and fair elections
H. Res. 328, Recognizing the 25th anniversary of the workers' strikes in Poland in 1980 that led to the establishment of the Solidarity Trade Union
Amendment to H. Res. 328 offered by the Honorable Elton Gallegly
LETTERS, STATEMENTS, ETC., SUBMITTED FOR THE RECORD
The Honorable Elton Gallegly:
Prepared statement on H. Res. 326
Prepared statement on H. Con. Res. 155
Prepared statement on H. Res. 328
The Honorable Eliot L. Engel, a Representative in Congress from the State of New York: Prepared statement on H. Con. Res. 155
CALLING ON FREE AND FAIR PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN; URGING THE GOVERNMENT OF ALBANIA TO ENSURE THAT THE JULY 3, 2005 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS ARE CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS; AND RECOGNIZING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WORKERS' STRIKES IN POLAND THAT LED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SOLIDARITY TRADE UNION
TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2005
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House of Representatives,
Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging Threats,
Committee on International Relations,
Washington, DC.
The Subcommittee met, pursuant to call, at 5:18 p.m. in room 2200, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Elton Gallegly (Chairman of the Subcommittee) presiding.
Mr. GALLEGLY. I call to order the Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging Threats. Pursuant to notice, I call up the resolution H. Res. 326, for the purposes of markup and move its recommendation to the Full Committee. Without objection, the resolution will be considered as read and open for amendment at any point.
Today, the Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging Threats is marking up three resolutions. Two are related to upcoming parliamentary elections in Europe, and the third is to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Solidarity.
The first item on the agenda is H. Res. 326, a resolution I introduced calling for the Government of Azerbaijan to ensure their upcoming parliamentary elections are peaceful, free, and fair.
[H. Res. 326 follows:]
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Mr. GALLEGLY. In the most recent elections in that country, the 2003 Presidential elections, international election observers found that they fell short of the international standards, including numerous instances of voting fraud, restrictions on political rallies, and intimidation against political opponents. Since the Presidential election, Azerbaijan has taken a number of steps by releasing some political prisoners and opening up their airwaves to opposing viewpoints.
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I urge the Government of Azerbaijan to build on this progress and conduct elections that are fair and free of fraud or intimidation. In addition, as stated in the resolution, I call upon both pro- and anti-government political parties to fully and peacefully participate in the parliamentary elections. The United States and Azerbaijan have enjoyed a strong relationship since Azerbaijan gained independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991. Azerbaijan has also made improvements in its election procedures since 2003. However, it is important that progress continues to be made and that the November parliamentary elections are viewed both in Azerbaijan and abroad as free and fair.
My office has worked very closely with Representative Chris Smith and his office, Rob Wexler and his office, the Helsinki Commission, and the State Department in drafting this resolution.
I will be offering a technical amendment to H. Res. 326. However, I would like to see if there is anyone else that has an opening statement.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Gallegly follows:]
PREPARED STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE ELTON GALLEGLY, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AND CHAIRMAN, SUBCOMMITTEE ON EUROPE AND EMERGING THREATS
H. RES. 326
Today, the Subcommittee on Europe and Emerging Threats is marking up three resolutions. Two are related to upcoming parliamentary elections in Europe and the third is to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Solidarity.
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The first item on the agenda is H. Res. 326, a resolution I introduced calling on the Government of Azerbaijan to ensure that their upcoming parliamentary elections are peaceful, free and fair.
In the most recent elections in that country, the 2003 presidential elections, international election observers found that they fell short of international standards, including numerous instances of voting fraud, restrictions on political rallies and intimidation against political opponents.
Since the presidential election, Azerbaijan has taken a number of steps by releasing some political prisoners and opening up their airwaves to opposing viewpoints.
I urge the Government of Azerbaijan to build on this progress and conduct elections that are fair, and free of fraud or intimidation. In addition, as stated in the resolution, I call upon both pro and anti-government political parties to fully and peacefully participate in the parliamentary elections.
The United States and Azerbaijan have enjoyed a strong relationship since Azerbaijan gained independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991. Azerbaijan has also made improvements in its election procedures since 2003. However, it is important that progress continues to be made and that the November parliamentary elections are viewed both In Azerbaijan and abroad as free and fair.
My office has worked closely with the Rep. Chris Smith's office, Mr. Wexler's office, the Helsinki Commission and the State Department in the drafting of this resolution.
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I will be offering a technical amendment to H. Res. 326. However, I first want to recognize Congressman Wexler for a statement.
Ms. BERKLEY. Well, thank you, Mr. Gallegly. As a co-sponsor of this resolution, I strongly support its passage and urge the Subcommittee to report if favorably to the Full Committee.
Mr. GALLEGLY. Very good. Mr. McCotter, do you have an opening statement?
I have an amendment at the desk which, without objection, will be considered as read. As I mentioned in my opening statement, the amendment is technical in nature. It simply clarifies some of the clauses in the preamble of the resolution. The amendment does not change the resolution in any substantive manner.
[The information referred to follows:]
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Mr. GALLEGLY. Are there any questions anyone would like to add on the amendment?
[No response.]
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Mr. GALLEGLY. Then the question occurs on the amendment. All in favor, say aye.
[A chorus of ayes.]
Mr. GALLEGLY. Any opposed?
[No response.]
Mr. GALLEGLY. The ayes have it, and the resolution is passed.
Are there any other amendments?
[No response.]
Mr. GALLEGLY. Hearing no further requests, the question occurs on the motion to report H. Res. 326 favorably, as amended. All in favor, say aye.
[A chorus of ayes.]
Mr. GALLEGLY. Any opposed?
[No response.]
Mr. GALLEGLY. The motion is approved, and the resolution is reported favorably. Without objection, the resolution will be reported favorably to the Full Committee in the form of a single amendment in the nature of a substitute incorporating the amendment adopted here today. Without objection, the staff is directed to make any technical and conforming amendments.
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Pursuant to notice, I call up resolution H. Con. Res. 155 for purposes of markup. I move its recommendation to the Full Committee. Without objection, the resolution will be considered as read and open for amendment at any point.
[H. Con. Res. 155 follows:]
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Mr. GALLEGLY. The second item on the agenda today is the consideration of H. Con. Res. 155, a resolution supporting free and fair elections in Albania introduced by my colleague and friend, Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey, the Vice Chairman of the International Relations Committee. The resolution urges Albania to hold its July 3 parliamentary elections in accordance with international standards.
This election is not only important as Albania works to develop its democratic system, but they will set the tone for the nation in the months and years ahead as it strives to become a fully democratic member of European and Euro-Atlantic institutions. The United States and Albania have strong ties and share common objectives on many issues, such as defeating international terrorism, stopping human trafficking in the Balkans, and fighting narco-trafficking. We are also working closely with the Albanian Government on maintaining stability and achieving economic prosperity throughout the region.
I strongly support our friendship with Albania and support this resolution which encourages Albania to continue down the road toward developing strong and stable democratic institutions.
I urge the passage of H. Con. Res. 155. Is there anyone else that would like to make a statement?
[The prepared statements of Mr. Gallegly and Mr. Engel follow:]
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PREPARED STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE ELTON GALLEGLY, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AND CHAIRMAN, SUBCOMMITTEE ON EUROPE AND EMERGING THREATS
H. CON. RES. 155
The second item on the agenda today is the consideration of H. Con. Res. 155, a resolution supporting free and fair elections in Albania introduced by my colleague and friend, Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey, the Vice Chairman of the International Relations Committee. The resolution urges Albania to hold its July 3 parliamentary elections in accordance with international standards.
This election is not only important as Albania works to develop its democratic system, but they will set the tone for that nation in the months and years ahead as it strives to become a fully democratic member of European and Euro-Atlantic institutions.
The United States and Albania have strong ties and share common objectives on many issues, such as defeating international terrorism, stopping human trafficking in the Balkans and fighting narco-trafficking. We are also working closely with the Albanian government on maintaining stability and achieving economic prosperity throughout the region.
I strongly support our friendship with Albania and support this resolution which encourages Albania to continue down the road towards developing strong and stable democratic institutions.
I urge the passage of H. Con. Res. 155. I will now turn to Congressman Wexler for the purposes of making a statement.
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PREPARED STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE ELIOT L. ENGEL, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF NEW YORK
H. CON. RES. 155
I would like to thank the Chairman and the Ranking Member for expediting consideration of H.Con.Res. 155, urging Albania to hold its July 3 parliamentary elections in accordance with international standards. I would also like to thank the lead sponsor, Chris Smith, for his work on this legislation. These elections are not only important as Albania works to develop its democratic system, but they will set the tone for the Balkan nation in the months and years ahead.
The United States and Albania have strong ties that go well beyond government relations. For that reason, we believe it important to support the people of Albania and their right to choose their elected representatives freely and fairly.
In the 15 years since Albania's brutal communist dictatorship came to an end, the country has struggled in its transition. While some elections have been problematic, there have been improvements over time, and now the country has a real chance to achieve the same international election standards that the United States, Canada and all of Europe adopted in 1990. Between now and election day, the real issue is whether the authorities, political parties and other stakeholders have the will to abide by the laws, regulations and a code of conduct. The active U.S. congressional interest expressed in this resolution can encourage all involved to do the right thing.
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A good election process will have enormous benefits for Albania. Domestically, it will enable the next government to take stronger measures to address the official corruption and combat the organized crime which together thwart stronger economic recovery. Internationally, it will enable Albania to take the next steps to joining NATO and the European Union. Supporting Albanian elections today will only strengthen our relations in the future.
I will be in Albania for the July 3rd elections and will lead a delegation of Albanian Americans monitoring that the polling and counting will be done in accordance with international standards. This resolution will help make the case for a good election.
As the lead Democratic sponsor of this resolution, I urge the Subcommittee to favorably report H.Con.Res. 155 to the full Committee.
Ms. BERKLEY. I would like to thank the Chairman for bringing this to the Committee's attention. I am a co-sponsor of H. Con. Res. 155. I strongly support its passage and urge the Subcommittee to report it favorably to the Full Committee.
Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. McCotter, anything?
[No response.]
Mr. GALLEGLY. There are no amendments. The question then occurs on the motion to report the resolution H. Con. Res. 155, favorably. All in favor?
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[A chorus of ayes.]
Mr. GALLEGLY. Any opposed?
[No response.]
Mr. GALLEGLY. The ayes have it. The motion is approved, and the resolution is to be reported favorably. The staff is directed to make any technical and conforming amendments.
Pursuant to notice, I call up resolution H. Res. 328 for purposes of markup and move its recommendation to the Full Committee. Without objection, the resolution shall be considered as read and open for amendment at any point.
[H. Res. 328 follows:]
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Mr. GALLEGLY. H. Res. 328 is a resolution recognizing the 25th anniversary of the workers' strike in Poland in 1980 that led to the establishment of the Solidarity Trade Union. H. Res. 328 conveys our recognition of the important role played by Solidarity in setting in motion the liberation of the nations of Eastern and Central Europe and the fall of the Soviet Union. It also honors the struggle and sacrifice of the people of Poland who risked their lives to restore democracy to their country.
Solidarity began in the shipyards of Gdansk with Polish workers unwilling to submit to the tyranny of the Communist regime in Poland, even after nearly 40 years of oppression. A local electrician, Lech Walesa, coordinated the Solidarity strikes and ensured that the strikes were peaceful and orderly. After months of strikes, the Communist government yielded to the demands of the striking workers, including the release of all political prisoners, the broadcasting of religious services on television and radio, and the right to establish independent trade unions.
Throughout the 1980s, Solidarity grew to become a national movement with 10 million members, and Lech Walesa went on to become the first President of Poland after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Solidarity has had a critical role in establishing the democratic institutions that today are flourishing in Poland.
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I urge passage of H. Res. 328 and would ask if my colleague, Ms. Berkley, would have any opening comments.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Gallegly follows:]
PREPARED STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE ELTON GALLEGLY, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AND CHAIRMAN, SUBCOMMITTEE ON EUROPE AND EMERGING THREATS
H. RES. 328
The third resolution on today's agenda is H. Res. 328, a resolution recognizing the 25th anniversary of the workers' strikes in Poland in 1980 that led to the establishment of the Solidarity Trade Union.
H. Res. 328 conveys our recognition of the important role played by Solidarity in setting in motion the liberation of the nations of Eastern and Central Europe and the fall of the Soviet Union. It also honors the struggle and sacrifice of the people of Poland who risked their lives to restore democracy to their country.
Solidarity began in the shipyards of Gdansk with Polish workers unwilling to submit to the tyranny of the communist regime in Poland even after nearly forty years of oppression. A local electrician, Lech Walesa, coordinated the Solidarity strikes and ensured that the strikes were peaceful and orderly. After months of strikes, the Communist government yielded to the demands of the striking workers, including the release of all political prisoners, the broadcasting of religious services on television and radio, and the right to establish independent trade unions.
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Throughout the 1980's, Solidarity grew to become a national movement with 10 million members, and Lech Walesa went on to become the first president of Poland after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Solidarity also had a critical role in establishing the democratic institutions that today are flourishing in Poland.
I urge the passage of H. Res. 328. I will now turn to Congressman Wexler for the purposes of making a statement.
Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Chairman, I remember, long before I came to Congress, watching the Polish workers' strikes and the Solidarity trade movement unfold on television. I cannot fail to recall what an extraordinary moment that was for not only the people of Poland, but for all democracy-loving people throughout the world. I had the opportunity to travel to Poland in January and see for myself firsthand the strong support of the Polish people not only of democracy but of the United States of America. They are a key partner in NATO, and I very strongly support passage of this resolution and urge the Subcommittee to report it favorably to the Full Committee.
Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. McCotter?
Mr. MCCOTTER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I, too, was able to go to Poland with the gentlelady from Nevada and my colleague, Representative Steve Israel.
In 1980, I distinctly remember Solidarity for perhaps a strange reason. I remember, after John Lennon was shot, Time magazine had a portrait of him on the cover. In the little inset in the corner of the picture was a red Soviet tank, and then it said, ''What is next in Poland?'' So it is hard to believe that it has been 25 years since these momentous events occurred.
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What is not hard to believe is, having been to Poland and seen the warmth, honor, dignity, and courage of the Polish people, why they were the people who struck the first blow in eastern Europe that led to the end of the evil empire that was the Soviet Union and the Communist totalitarian system.
There were those who have always asked, in this day and age, where is the heart of Europe? In my mind, Mr. Chairman, which is why I am honored to support this resolution, if someone wants to find the heart of Europe and its soul, they need look no further than the people of Poland. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. GALLEGLY. Thank you, Mr. McCotter.
Mr. Chandler, did you have anything you would like to add?
Mr. CHANDLER. I do not need to add anything, Mr. Chairman, other than I cannot believe it has been 25 years.
Mr. GALLEGLY. Time has really flown. It was a very historic day for me, and I was honored to have the opportunity to hear Lech Walesa address the House in a joint session. I do not know if there is anyone here on the Subcommittee that was here at the time, but it was an historic time in this Nation's history.
As I mentioned in my opening statement, I have an amendment to the resolution. The amendment reflects conversations with Congressman Lantos's office regarding the role played by Solidarity in the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of Communism in Central and Eastern Europe. The amendment is one of calculation and does ont change the resolution in any substantive manner.
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[The information referred to follows:]
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Mr. GALLEGLY. Is there anyone that would like to make a comment regarding the amendment?
[No response.]
Mr. GALLEGLY. Hearing no request, the question occurs on the amendment. All in favor, say aye.
[A chorus of ayes.]
Mr. GALLEGLY. Any opposed?
[No response.]
Mr. GALLEGLY. The amendment passes.
Are there any further amendments? Do you have another?
Mr. ENGEL. I do not have an amendment, Mr. Chairman. I just ask for unanimous consent on the Albanian resolution, that was just passed, to include my statement into the record in the place that debate was taking place.
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Mr. GALLEGLY. Without objection, any Member may insert comments into the record on any of the measures that were considered today.
Mr. ENGEL. Thank you.
Mr. GALLEGLY. With no further requests for an amendment, the question occurs on the motion to report resolution H. Res. 328 favorably, as amended. All in favor will say aye.
[A chorus of ayes.]
Mr. GALLEGLY. Any opposed?
[No response.]
Mr. GALLEGLY. The motion is approved, and the resolution is reported favorably. Without objection, the resolution will be reported favorably to the Full Committee in the form of a single amendment in the nature of a substitute incorporating the amendments adopted here today. Without objection, the staff is directed to make any technical and conforming amendments.
Having no other business on the agenda today, the Subcommittee stands adjourned.
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[Whereupon, at 5:31 p.m., the Subcommittee was adjourned.]