Expressing the sense of the Senate on the continuing relationship between the United States and Georgia.

declares that the United States supports the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Georgia 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;

encourages the President to enhance defense cooperation efforts with Georgia;

supports the efforts of the Government of Georgia to protect its government, people, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders;

reaffirms its support for Georgia’s NATO membership aspirations, congratulates the Government of Georgia on the steps it has taken to further its integration with NATO, and commends the determination of the Government of Georgia to maintain its troop contribution to International Security Assistance Force and its willingness to extend its mission in Afghanistan beyond 2014;

congratulates the Government and people of Georgia on the Presidential election of October 27, 2013, commends the Government and people of Georgia on a peaceful and democratic transfer of power, and encourages all parties to work together constructively to maintain continued movement toward a free and democratic society;

strongly encourages the Government of Georgia to defend the rule of law, improve the independence of the judiciary, and protect the rights of political opposition—all essential components of a free and open democracy and which can and should be demonstrated in the upcoming 2014 local elections;

strongly supports a United States and international election monitoring mission for this final phase of Georgia’s election cycle;

further encourages the Government of Georgia to refrain from politically motivated arrests and prosecutions;

affirms that the path to lasting stability in this region is through peaceful means and long-term diplomatic and political dialogue; and

remains committed to assisting the people of Georgia in their efforts to establish an enduring democratic society with strong institutions within the rule of law.