A Word of Thanks to Georgian Parliamentarian and Osce Pa President George Tsereteli

Floor Speech

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Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, during this challenging year I have periodically taken the floor to update my Congressional colleagues on my continued work with our friends and allies across the Atlantic as we confront the challenges facing Europe and beyond. This has included not only the direct impact of the COVID pandemic itself on public and economic health but also in regard to ongoing issues like Russian aggression, the violation of human rights in Belarus and other countries, and the common threat all countries face from terrorism.

Today, I take the floor to praise one of our best friends and allies in these efforts, George Tsereteli, who is stepping down as President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly--the OSCE PA--as a result of leaving the parliament of the Republic of Georgia. During his tenure as President, I have significantly deepened my engagement in this valuable forum, including being appointed by President Tsereteli earlier this year to serve as chair of the OSCE PA committee dealing with security matters.

George Tsereteli is a true leader. During his time as President of the OSCE PA, he has spoken out forcefully against the violation of the Helsinki Principles which guide relations between OSCE countries and emphasized the linkages between these principles. That includes condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other neighbors, including his own country of Georgia. That also includes condemning the violation of human rights that is today so brutally evident in Belarus but has in fact been an ongoing issue there as well as in Russia and far too many other OSCE countries. True peace, in his view, requires respect for human rights. At the same time, George worked with parliamentarians from across the OSCE region, respecting their more specific concerns on a variety of issues, from combatting corruption to environmental protection, and giving them a venue to raise these issues in this multilateral forum.

In this sense, George Tsereteli represents his country well. He understands that, if the international community is to assist Georgia with the challenges it faces, Georgians must make their contribution to security and cooperation across Europe, the OSCE region and beyond.

George Tsereteli is also a true friend of the United States and of the Congress. He keeps in close contact with me and other Members from both sides of the aisle. George does the same with our colleagues in the Senate. When he visits the United States, George never fails to reach out. In between, despite his heavy schedule, George is always available when we need his input. In his speeches, George regularly recognizes the good work done by the U.S. Helsinki Commission.

Finally, George Tsereteli understands that it is not only diplomats or parliamentarians who contribute to positive change. He has engaged and supported those individuals who, as opposition leaders, journalists or human rights advocates, act upon their own human rights to defend the human rights of others, indeed those of all citizens. This was evident in his support for efforts by many of us to hold accountable those who were truly responsible for the murder of Russian opposition figure Boris Nemtsov, or his suggestions on how best to respond to the assault on the citizenry today in Belarus.

Those of us who have engaged through the OSCE PA will miss having George Tsereteli leading our debates from the dais, but I am sure we will continue to have opportunities to work with him in his future endeavors. I am also sure that, passing the gavel to Peter Lord Bowness of the United Kingdom as OSCE PA President, he has left a healthy institution in capable hands. As the Assembly undertakes this leadership transition, I want to assure my colleagues here in Congress and in the OSCE PA of my own enduring commitment to advancing the interests of the United States and of its many friends and partners throughout the OSCE region.

On a more personal note, I consider myself blessed to call George Tsereteli my friend. He has mentored me, encouraged me, and given me extraordinary opportunities to be a voice for my constituents and our nation on the international stage. George's humor and kindness have enriched my life and the lives of all those who have been fortunate enough to crossed his path.

Madam Speaker, please join me today in saluting the service of George Tsereteli as the longest serving leader in the history of the OSCE PA as well as recognizing the importance of continued Congressional engagement with the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE.

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