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Bill Passed by House of Representatives: To Finance Yugoslav Opposition While Imposing Harsh Conditions on Yugoslavia

www.tenc.net
[Emperor's Clothes]

[NOTE: This is the exact text of the Law authorizing $105 million (US) for the Yugoslav "democratic" opposition while imposing super-harsh conditions on Yugoslavia. It was passed by the House of Representatives, 9-25-2000. It can be read on the Internet by going to http://thomas.loc.gov/ and then entering HR1064 in the search box near the top of the page.

There are two versions of the law. The one that was passed is the "engrossed" version, reprinted below. Emperor's Clothes has commented on this law. Please see: "Yugoslav 'Opposition' Negotiates Surrender of Yugoslavia" at http://globalresistance.com/analysis/11.htm and "Washington Votes to Finance Yugoslav Runoff Election" at http://globalresistance.com/articles/chuss/wash.htm .

Due to a mistaken newspaper report in the 'LA Times', some people (including our writers) initially thought the bill authorizes payments to the opposition of $500 million. It does not. It authorizes $105 million. Of course, this does not count a) money from government-connected private sources, such as the Soros Foundation and b) CIA money. END NOTE]

H.R.1064

To authorize a coordinated program to promote the development of democracy in Serbia and Montenegro.

HR 1064 EH

106th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 1064

AN ACT

To authorize a coordinated program to promote the development of democracy in Serbia and Montenegro.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) SHORT TITLE- This Act may be cited as the `Serbia Democratization Act of 2000'.

(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS- The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

Sec. 2. Definitions.

TITLE I--SUPPORT FOR THE DEMOCRATIC FORCES

Sec. 101. Findings and policy.

Sec. 102. Assistance to promote democracy and civil society in Yugoslavia.

Sec. 103. Authority for radio and television broadcasting.

Sec. 104. Development of political contacts relating to the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Montenegro.

TITLE II--ASSISTANCE TO THE VICTIMS OF OPPRESSION

Sec. 201. Findings.

Sec. 202. Sense of the Congress.

Sec. 203. Assistance.

TITLE III--`OUTER WALL' SANCTIONS

Sec. 301. `Outer Wall' sanctions.

Sec. 302. International financial institutions not in compliance with `Outer Wall' sanctions.

TITLE IV--OTHER MEASURES AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA

Sec. 401. Blocking assets in the United States.

Sec. 402. Suspension of entry into the United States.

Sec. 403. Prohibition on strategic exports to Yugoslavia.

Sec. 404. Prohibition on loans and investment.

Sec. 405. Prohibition of military-to-military cooperation.

Sec. 406. Multilateral sanctions.

Sec. 407. Exemptions.

Sec. 408. Waiver; termination of measures against Yugoslavia.

Sec. 409. Statutory construction.

TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec. 501. International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

Sec. 502. Sense of the Congress with respect to ethnic Hungarians of Vojvodina.

Sec. 503. Ownership and use of diplomatic and consular properties.

Sec. 504. Transition assistance.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:

(1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES- The term `appropriate congressional committees' means the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives.

(2) COMMERCIAL EXPORT- The term `commercial export' means the sale of an agricultural commodity, medicine, or medical equipment by a United States seller to a foreign buyer in exchange for cash payment on market terms without benefit of concessionary financing, export subsidies, government or government-backed credits or other nonmarket financing arrangements.

(3) INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL TRIBUNAL FOR THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA OR TRIBUNAL- The term `International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia' or the `Tribunal' means the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia Since 1991, as established by United Nations Security Council Resolution 827 of May 25, 1993.

(4) YUGOSLAVIA- The term `Yugoslavia' means the so-called Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), and the term `Government of Yugoslavia' means the central government of Yugoslavia.

TITLE I--SUPPORT FOR THE DEMOCRATIC FORCES

SEC. 101. FINDINGS AND POLICY.

(a) FINDINGS- Congress finds the following:

(1) The President of Yugoslavia, Slobodan Milosevic, has consistently engaged in undemocratic methods of governing.

(2) Yugoslavia has passed and implemented a law strictly limiting freedom of the press and has acted to intimidate and prevent independent media from operating inside Yugoslavia.

(3) Although the Yugoslav and Serbian constitutions provide for the right of citizens to change their government, citizens of Serbia in practice are prevented from exercising that right by the Milosevic regime's domination of the mass media and manipulation of the electoral process.

(4) The Yugoslav and Serbian governments have orchestrated attacks on academics at institutes and universities throughout the country in an effort to prevent the dissemination of opinions that differ from official state propaganda.

(5) The Yugoslav and Serbian governments hinder the formation of nonviolent, democratic opposition through restrictions on freedom of assembly and association.

(6) The Yugoslav and Serbian governments use control and intimidation to control the judiciary and manipulate the country's legal framework to suit the regime's immediate political interests.

(7) The Government of Serbia and the Government of Yugoslavia, under the direction of President Milosevic, have obstructed the efforts of the Government of Montenegro to pursue democratic and free-market policies.

(8) At great risk, the Government of Montenegro has withstood efforts by President Milosevic to interfere with its government.

(9) The people of Serbia who do not endorse the undemocratic actions of the Milosevic government should not be the target of criticism that is rightly directed at the Milosevic regime.

(b) POLICY; SENSE OF THE CONGRESS-

(1) POLICY- It is the policy of the United States to encourage the development of a government in Yugoslavia based on democratic principles and the rule of law and that respects internationally recognized human rights.

(2) SENSE OF THE CONGRESS- It is the sense of the Congress that--

(A) the United States should actively support the democratic forces in Yugoslavia, including political parties and independent trade unions, to develop a legitimate and viable alternative to the Milosevic regime;

(B) all United States Government officials, including individuals from the private sector acting on behalf of the United States Government, should meet regularly with representatives of democratic forces in Yugoslavia and minimize to the extent practicable any direct contacts with officials of the Yugoslav or Serbian governments, and not meet with any individual indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, particularly President Slobodan Milosevic; and

(C) the United States should emphasize to all political leaders in Yugoslavia the importance of respecting internationally recognized human rights for all individuals residing in Yugoslavia.

SEC. 102. ASSISTANCE TO PROMOTE DEMOCRACY AND CIVIL SOCIETY IN YUGOSLAVIA.

(a) ASSISTANCE FOR THE SERBIAN DEMOCRATIC FORCES-

(1) PURPOSE OF ASSISTANCE- The purpose of assistance under this subsection is to promote and strengthen institutions of democratic government and the growth of an independent civil society in Serbia, including ethnic tolerance and respect for internationally recognized human rights.

(2) AUTHORIZATION FOR ASSISTANCE- To carry out the purpose of paragraph (1), the President is authorized to furnish assistance and other support for the activities described in paragraph (3).

(3) ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED- Activities that may be supported by assistance under paragraph (2) include the following:

(A) Democracy building.

(B) The development of nongovernmental organizations.

(D) The development of the rule of law, to include a strong, independent judiciary, the impartial administration of justice, and transparency in political practices.

(E) International exchanges and advanced professional training programs in skill areas central to the development of civil society and a market economy.

(F) The development of all elements of the democratic process, including political parties and the ability to administer free and fair elections.

(G) The development of local governance.

(H) The development of a free-market economy.

(4) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS-

(A) IN GENERAL- There is authorized to be appropriated to the President $50,000,000 for the period beginning October 1, 2000, and ending September 30, 2001, to be made available for activities in support of the democratization of the Republic of Serbia (excluding Kosovo) pursuant to this subsection.

(B) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS- Amounts appropriated pursuant to subparagraph (A) are authorized to remain available until expended.

(b) PROHIBITION ON ASSISTANCE TO GOVERNMENT OF YUGOSLAVIA OR OF SERBIA- In carrying out subsection (a), the President should take all necessary steps to ensure that no funds or other assistance is provided to the Government of Yugoslavia or to the Government of Serbia, except for purposes permitted under this title.

(1) IN GENERAL- The President may provide assistance to the Government of Montenegro, unless the President determines, and so reports to the appropriate congressional committees, that the leadership of the Government of Montenegro is not committed to, or is not taking steps to promote, democratic principles, the rule of law, or respect for internationally recognized human rights.

(2) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- Unless the President makes the determination, and so reports to the appropriate congressional committees, under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated to the President $55,000,000 for the period beginning October 1, 2000, and ending September 30, 2001, to be made available for activities for or in the Republic of Montenegro for purposes described in subsection (a), as well as to support ongoing political and economic reforms, and economic stabilization in support of democratization.

SEC. 103. AUTHORITY FOR RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCASTING.

(a) IN GENERAL- The Broadcasting Board of Governors shall further the open communication of information and ideas through the increased use of radio and television broadcasting to Yugoslavia in both the Serbo-Croatian and Albanian languages.

(b) IMPLEMENTATION- Radio and television broadcasting under subsection (a) shall be carried out by the Voice of America and, in addition, radio broadcasting under that subsection shall be carried out by RFE/RL, Incorporated. Subsection (a) shall be carried out in accordance with all the respective Voice of America and RFE/RL, Incorporated, standards to ensure that radio and television broadcasting to Yugoslavia serves as a consistently reliable and authoritative source of accurate, objective, and comprehensive news.

(c) STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION- The implementation of subsection (a) may not be construed as a replacement for the strengthening of indigenous independent media called for in section 102(a)(3)(C). To the maximum extent practicable, the two efforts (strengthening independent media and increasing broadcasts into Serbia) shall be carried out in such a way that they mutually support each other.

SEC. 104. DEVELOPMENT OF POLITICAL CONTACTS RELATING TO THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF MONTENEGRO.

(a) SENSE OF THE CONGRESS- It is the sense of the Congress that political contacts between United States officials and those individuals who, in an official or unofficial capacity, represent a genuine desire for democratic governance in the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Montenegro should be developed through regular and well publicized meetings.

(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of State $350,000 for fiscal year 2001 for a voluntary contribution to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly--

(1) to facilitate contacts by those who, in an official or unofficial capacity, represent a genuine desire for democratic governance in the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Montenegro, with their counterparts in other countries; and

(2) to encourage the development of a multilateral effort to promote democracy in the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Montenegro.

TITLE II--ASSISTANCE TO THE VICTIMS OF OPPRESSION

SEC. 201. FINDINGS.

Congress finds the following:

(1) Beginning in February 1998 and ending in June 1999, the armed forces of Yugoslavia and the Serbian Interior Ministry police force engaged in a brutal crackdown against the ethnic Albanian population in Kosovo.

(2) As a result of the attack by Yugoslav and Serbian forces against the Albanian population of Kosovo, more than 10,000 individuals were killed and 1,500,000 individuals were displaced from their homes.

(3) The majority of the individuals displaced by the conflict in Kosovo was left homeless or was forced to find temporary shelter in Kosovo or outside the country.

(4) The activities of the Yugoslav armed forces and the police force of the Serbian Interior Ministry resulted in the widespread destruction of agricultural crops, livestock, and property, as well as the poisoning of wells and water supplies, and the looting of humanitarian goods provided by the international community.

SEC. 202. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS.

It is the sense of the Congress that--

(1) the Government of Yugoslavia and the Government of Serbia bear responsibility to the victims of the conflict in Kosovo, including refugees and internally displaced persons, and for property damage in Kosovo;

(2) under the direction of President Milosevic, neither the Government of Yugoslavia nor the Government of Serbia provided the resources to assist innocent, civilian victims of oppression in Kosovo; and

(3) because neither the Government of Yugoslavia nor the Government of Serbia fulfilled the responsibilities of a sovereign government toward the people in Kosovo, the international community offers the only recourse for humanitarian assistance to victims of oppression in Kosovo.

SEC. 203. ASSISTANCE.

(a) AUTHORITY- The President is authorized to furnish assistance under section 491 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2292) and the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 (22 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.), as appropriate, for--

(1) relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction in Kosovo; and

(2) refugees and persons displaced by the conflict in Kosovo.

(b) PROHIBITION- No assistance may be provided under this section to any organization that has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189).

(c) USE OF ECONOMIC SUPPORT FUNDS- Any funds that have been allocated under chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2346 et seq.) for assistance described in subsection (a) may be used in accordance with the authority of that subsection.

TITLE III--`OUTER WALL' SANCTIONS

SEC. 301. `OUTER WALL' SANCTIONS.

(a) APPLICATION OF MEASURES- The sanctions described in subsections (c) through (g) shall apply with respect to Yugoslavia until the President determines and certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the Government of Yugoslavia has made significant progress in meeting the conditions described in subsection (b).

(b) CONDITIONS- The conditions referred to in subsection (a) are the following:

(1) Agreement on a lasting settlement in Kosovo.

(2) Compliance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

(3) Implementation of internal democratic reform.

(4) Settlement of all succession issues with the other republics that emerged from the break-up of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

(5) Cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, including the transfer to The Hague of all individuals in Yugoslavia indicted by the Tribunal.

(c) INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS- The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States executive directors of the international financial institutions to oppose, and vote against, any extension by those institutions of any financial assistance (including any technical assistance or grant) of any kind to the Government of Yugoslavia.

(d) ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE- The Secretary of State should instruct the United States Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to oppose and block any consensus to allow the participation of Yugoslavia in the OSCE or any organization affiliated with the OSCE.

(e) UNITED NATIONS- The Secretary of State should instruct the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations--

(1) to oppose and vote against any resolution in the United Nations Security Council to admit Yugoslavia to the United Nations or any organization affiliated with the United Nations; and

(2) to actively oppose and, if necessary, veto any proposal to allow Yugoslavia to assume the membership of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in the United Nations General Assembly or any other organization affiliated with the United Nations.

(f) NATO- The Secretary of State should instruct the United States Permanent Representative to the North Atlantic Council to oppose and vote against the extension to Yugoslavia of membership or participation in the Partnership for Peace program or any other organization affiliated with NATO.

(g) SOUTHEAST EUROPEAN COOPERATION INITIATIVE- The Secretary of State should instruct the United States Representatives to the Southeast European Cooperation Initiative (SECI) to actively oppose the participation of Yugoslavia in SECI.

(h) SENSE OF THE CONGRESS- It is the sense of the Congress that--

(1) the President should not restore full diplomatic relations with Yugoslavia until the President has determined and so reported to the appropriate congressional committees that the Government of Yugoslavia has met the conditions described in subsection (b); and

(2) the President should encourage all other European countries to diminish their level of diplomatic relations with Yugoslavia.

(i) INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTION DEFINED- In this section, the term `international financial institution' includes the International Monetary Fund, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Development Association, the International Finance Corporation, the Multilateral Investment Guaranty Agency, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

SEC. 302. INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH `OUTER WALL' SANCTIONS.

It is the sense of the Congress that, if any international financial institution (as defined in section 301(i)) approves a loan or other financial assistance to the Government of Yugoslavia over the opposition of the United States, then the Secretary of the Treasury should withhold from payment of the United States share of any increase in the paid-in capital of such institution an amount equal to the amount of the loan or other assistance.

TITLE IV--OTHER MEASURES AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA

SEC. 401. BLOCKING ASSETS IN THE UNITED STATES.

(a) BLOCKING OF ASSETS- All property and interests in property, including all commercial, industrial, or public utility undertakings or entities, of or in the name of the Government of Serbia or the Government of Yugoslavia that are in the United States, that come within the United States, or that are or come within the possession or control of United States persons, including their overseas branches, are blocked.

(b) PROHIBITED TRANSFERS- Payments or transfers of any property or any transactions involving the transfer of anything of economic value by any United States person to the Government of Serbia, the Government of Yugoslavia, or any person or entity acting for or on behalf of, or owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any of those governments, persons, or entities, are prohibited.

(c) EXERCISE OF AUTHORITIES- The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall take such actions, including the promulgation of regulations, orders, directives, rulings, instructions, and licenses, and employ all powers granted to the President by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section, including, but not limited to, taking such steps as may be necessary to continue in effect the measures contained in Executive Order No. 13088 of June 9, 1998, and Executive Order No. 13121 of April 30, 1999, and any rule, regulation, license, or order issued thereunder.

(d) PAYMENT OF EXPENSES- All expenses incident to the blocking and maintenance of property blocked under subsection (a) shall be charged to the owners or operators of such property, and expenses shall not be paid for from blocked funds.

(e) PROHIBITIONS- The following are prohibited:

(1) Any transaction within the United States or by a United States person relating to any vessel in which a majority or controlling interest is held by a person or entity in, or operating from, Serbia, regardless of the flag under which the vessel sails.

(2)(A) The exportation to Serbia or to any entity operated from Serbia or owned and controlled by the Government of Serbia or the Government of Yugoslavia, directly or indirectly, of any goods, software technology, or services, either--

(i) from the United States;

(ii) requiring the issuance of a license by a Federal agency; or

(iii) involving the use of United States registered vessels or aircraft.

(B) Any activity that promotes or is intended to promote exportation described in subparagraph (A).

(3)(A) Any dealing by a United States person in--

(i) property exported from Serbia; or

(ii) property intended for exportation from Serbia to any country or exportation to Serbia from any country.

(B) Any activity of any kind that promotes or is intended to promote any dealing described in subparagraph (A).

(4) The performance by any United States person of any contract, including a financing contract, in support of an industrial, commercial, public utility, or governmental project in Serbia.

(f) EXCEPTIONS- Nothing in this section shall apply to--

(1) assistance provided under section 102 or section 203 of this Act; or

(2) information or informational materials described in section 203(b)(3) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

(g) DEFINITION- In this section, the term `United States person' means any United States citizen, any alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence within the United States, any entity organized under the laws of the United States (including foreign branches), or any person in the United States.

SEC. 402. SUSPENSION OF ENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES.

(a) PROHIBITION- The President shall use his authority under section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)) to suspend the entry into the United States of any alien who--

(1) holds a position in the senior leadership of the Government of Yugoslavia or the Government of Serbia; or

(2) is a spouse, minor child, or agent of a person inadmissible under paragraph (1).

(b) SENIOR LEADERSHIP DEFINED- In subsection (a)(1), the term `senior leadership'--

(1) includes--

(A) the President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers, and government ministers of Yugoslavia;

(B) the Governor of the National Bank of Yugoslavia; and

(2) does not include the President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers, and government ministers of the Republic of Montenegro.

SEC. 403. PROHIBITION ON STRATEGIC EXPORTS TO YUGOSLAVIA.

(a) PROHIBITION- No computers, computer software, or goods or technology intended to manufacture or service computers may be exported to or for use by the Government of Yugoslavia or by the Government of Serbia, or by any of the following entities of either government:

(1) The military.

(2) The police.

(3) The prison system.

(4) The national security agencies.

(b) STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION- Nothing in this section shall prevent the issuance of licenses to ensure the safety of civil aviation and safe operation of United States-origin commercial passenger aircraft and to ensure the safety of ocean-going maritime traffic in international waters.

SEC. 404. PROHIBITION ON LOANS AND INVESTMENT.

(a) UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT FINANCING- No loan, credit guarantee, insurance, financing, or other similar financial assistance may be extended by any agency of the United States Government (including the Export-Import Bank and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation) to the Government of Yugoslavia or the Government of Serbia.

(b) TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY- No funds made available by law may be available for activities of the Trade and Development Agency in or for Serbia.

(c) THIRD COUNTRY ACTION- The Secretary of State is urged to encourage all other countries, particularly European countries, to suspend any of their own programs providing support similar to that described in subsection (a) or (b) to the Government of Yugoslavia or the Government of Serbia, including by rescheduling repayment of the indebtedness of either government under more favorable conditions.

(d) PROHIBITION ON PRIVATE CREDITS-

(1) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in paragraph (2), no national of the United States may make or approve any loan or other extension of credit, directly or indirectly, to the Government of Yugoslavia or to the Government of Serbia or to any corporation, partnership, or other organization that is owned or controlled by either the Government of Yugoslavia or the Government of Serbia.

(2) EXCEPTION- Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a loan or extension of credit for any housing, education, or humanitarian benefit to assist the victims of oppression in Kosovo.

SEC. 405. PROHIBITION OF MILITARY-TO-MILITARY COOPERATION.

The United States Government (including any agency or entity of the United States) shall not provide assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or the Arms Export Control Act (including the provision of Foreign Military Financing under section 23 of the Arms Export Control Act or international military education and training under chapter 5 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961) or provide any defense articles or defense services under those Acts, to the armed forces of the Government of Yugoslavia or of the Government of Serbia.

SEC. 406. MULTILATERAL SANCTIONS.

It is the sense of the Congress that the President should continue to seek to coordinate with other countries, particularly European countries, a comprehensive, multilateral strategy to further the purposes of this title, including, as appropriate, encouraging other countries to take measures similar to those described in this title.

SEC. 407. EXEMPTIONS.

(a) EXEMPTION FOR KOSOVO- None of the restrictions imposed by this Act shall apply with respect to Kosovo, including with respect to governmental entities or administering authorities or the people of Kosovo.

(b) EXEMPTION FOR MONTENEGRO- None of the restrictions imposed by this Act shall apply with respect to Montenegro, including with respect to governmental entities of Montenegro, unless the President determines and so certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the leadership of the Government of Montenegro is not committed to, or is not taking steps to promote, democratic principles, the rule of law, or respect for internationally recognized human rights.

SEC. 408. WAIVER; TERMINATION OF MEASURES AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA.

(a) GENERAL WAIVER AUTHORITY- Except as provided in subsection (b), the requirement to impose any measure under this Act may be waived for successive periods not to exceed 12 months each, and the President may provide assistance in furtherance of this Act notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the President determines and so certifies to the appropriate congressional committees in writing 15 days in advance of the implementation of any such waiver that--

(1) it is important to the national interest of the United States; or

(2) significant progress has been made in Yugoslavia in establishing a government based on democratic principles and the rule of law, and that respects internationally recognized human rights.

(b) EXCEPTION- The President may implement the waiver under subsection (a) for successive periods not to exceed 3 months each without the 15 day advance notification under that subsection--

(1) if the President determines that exceptional circumstances require the implementation of such waiver; and

(2) the President immediately notifies the appropriate congressional committees of his determination.

(c) TERMINATION OF RESTRICTIONS- The restrictions imposed by this title shall be terminated if the President determines and so certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the Government of Yugoslavia is a government that is committed to democratic principles and the rule of law, and that respects internationally recognized human rights.

SEC. 409. STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.

(a) IN GENERAL- None of the restrictions or prohibitions contained in this Act shall be construed to limit humanitarian assistance (including the provision of food and medicine), or the commercial export of agricultural commodities or medicine and medical equipment, to Yugoslavia.

(b) SPECIAL RULE- Nothing in subsection (a) shall be construed to permit the export of an agricultural commodity or medicine that could contribute to the development of a chemical or biological weapon.

TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SEC. 501. INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL TRIBUNAL FOR THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA.

(a) FINDINGS- Congress finds the following:

(1) United Nations Security Council Resolution 827, which was adopted May 25, 1993, established the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia to prosecute persons responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in the territory of the former Yugoslavia since January 1, 1991.

(2) United Nations Security Council Resolution 827 requires full cooperation by all countries with the Tribunal, including the obligation of countries to comply with requests of the Tribunal for assistance or orders.

(3) The Government of Yugoslavia has disregarded its international obligations with regard to the Tribunal, including its obligation to transfer or facilitate the transfer to the Tribunal of any person on the territory of Yugoslavia who has been indicted for war crimes or other crimes against humanity under the jurisdiction of the Tribunal.

(4) The Government of Yugoslavia publicly rejected the Tribunal's jurisdiction over events in Kosovo and has impeded the investigation of representatives from the Tribunal, including denying those representatives visas for entry into Yugoslavia, in their efforts to gather information about alleged crimes against humanity in Kosovo under the jurisdiction of the Tribunal.

(5) The Tribunal has indicted President Slobodan Milosevic for--

(A) crimes against humanity, specifically murder, deportations, and persecutions; and

(B) violations of the laws and customs of war.

(b) POLICY- It shall be the policy of the United States to support fully and completely the investigation of President Slobodan Milosevic by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and grave breaches of the Geneva Convention.

(c) SENSE OF THE CONGRESS- Subject to subsection (b), it is the sense of the Congress that the United States Government should gather all information that the intelligence community (as defined in section 3(4) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 401a(4)) collects or has collected to support an investigation of President Slobodan Milosevic for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and grave breaches of the Geneva Convention by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and that the Department of State should provide all appropriate information to the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICTY under procedures established by the Director of Central Intelligence that are necessary to ensure adequate protection of intelligence sources and methods.

(d) REPORT TO CONGRESS- Not less than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter for the succeeding 5-year period, the President shall submit a report, in classified form if necessary, to the appropriate congressional committees that describes the information that was provided by the Department of State to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia for the purposes of subsection (c).

SEC. 502. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS WITH RESPECT TO ETHNIC HUNGARIANS OF VOJVODINA.

(a) FINDINGS- Congress finds that--

(1) approximately 350,000 ethnic Hungarians, as well as several other minority populations, reside in the province of Vojvodina, part of Serbia, in traditional settlements in existence for centuries;

(2) this community has taken no side in any of the Balkan conflicts since 1990, but has maintained a consistent position of nonviolence, while seeking to protect its existence through the meager opportunities afforded under the existing political system;

(3) the Serbian leadership deprived Vojvodina of its autonomous status at the same time as it did the same to the province of Kosovo;

(4) this population is subject to continuous harassment, intimidation, and threatening suggestions that they leave the land of their ancestors; and

(5) during the past 10 years this form of ethnic cleansing has already driven 50,000 ethnic Hungarians and members of other minority communities out of the province of Vojvodina.

(b) SENSE OF THE CONGRESS- It is the sense of the Congress that the President should--

(1) condemn harassment, threats, and intimidation against any ethnic group in Yugoslavia as the usual precursor of violent ethnic cleansing;

(2) express deep concern over the reports on recent threats, intimidation, and even violent incidents against the ethnic Hungarian inhabitants of the province of Vojvodina;

(3) call on the Secretary of State to regularly monitor the situation of the Hungarian ethnic group in Vojvodina; and

(4) call on the NATO allies of the United States, during any negotiation on the future status of Kosovo, also to pay substantial attention to establishing satisfactory guarantees for the rights of the people of Vojvodina, and, in particular, of the ethnic minorities in the province.

SEC. 503. OWNERSHIP AND USE OF DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR PROPERTIES.

(a) FINDINGS- Congress finds the following:

(1) The international judicial system, as currently structured, lacks fully effective remedies for the wrongful confiscation of property and for unjust enrichment from the use of wrongfully confiscated property by governments and private entities at the expense of the rightful owners of the property.

(2) Since the dissolution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia until March and June 1999, when the United States Government took custody, the Government of Yugoslavia exclusively used, and benefited from the use of, properties located in the United States that were owned by the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

(3) Until the United States Government took custody, the Governments of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Slovenia were blocked by the Government of Yugoslavia from using, or benefiting from the use of, any property located in the United States that was previously owned by the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

(4) The occupation and use by officials of Yugoslavia of that property without prompt, adequate, and effective compensation under the applicable principles of international law to the Governments of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Slovenia is unjust and unreasonable.

(b) POLICY ON NEGOTIATIONS REGARDING PROPERTIES- It is the policy of the United States to insist that the Government of Yugoslavia has a responsibility to, and should, actively and cooperatively engage in good faith negotiations with the Governments of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Slovenia for resolution of the outstanding property issues resulting from the dissolution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, including the disposition of the following properties located in the United States:

(1) 2222 Decatur Street, NW, Washington, DC.

(2) 2410 California Street, NW, Washington, DC.

(3) 1907 Quincy Street, NW, Washington, DC.

(4) 3600 Edmonds Street, NW, Washington, DC.

(5) 2221 R Street, NW, Washington, DC.

(6) 854 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY.

(7) 730 Park Avenue, New York, NY.

(c) SENSE OF THE CONGRESS ON RETURN OF PROPERTIES- It is the sense of the Congress that, if the Government of Yugoslavia refuses to engage in good faith negotiations on the status of the properties listed in subsection (b), the President should take steps to ensure that the interests of the Governments of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Slovenia are protected in accordance with international law.

SEC. 504. TRANSITION ASSISTANCE.

(a) SENSE OF THE CONGRESS- It is the sense of the Congress that once the regime of President Slobodan Milosevic has been replaced by a government that is committed to democratic principles and the rule of law, and that respects internationally recognized human rights, the President of the United States should support the transition to democracy in Yugoslavia by providing immediate and substantial assistance, including facilitating its integration into international organizations.

(b) AUTHORIZATION OF ASSISTANCE- The President is authorized to furnish assistance to Yugoslavia if he determines, and so certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that the Government of Yugoslavia is committed to democratic principles and the rule of law and respects internationally recognized human rights.

(1) DEVELOPMENT OF PLAN- The President shall develop a plan for providing assistance to Yugoslavia in accordance with this section. Such assistance would be provided at such time as the President determines that the Government of Yugoslavia is committed to democratic principles and the rule of law and respects internationally recognized human rights.

(2) STRATEGY- The plan developed under paragraph (1) shall include a strategy for distributing assistance to Yugoslavia under the plan.

(3) DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS- The President shall take the necessary steps--

(A) to seek to obtain the agreement of other countries and international financial institutions and other multilateral organizations to provide assistance to Yugoslavia after the President determines that the Government of Yugoslavia is committed to democratic principles, the rule of law, and that respects internationally recognized human rights; and

(B) to work with such countries, institutions, and organizations to coordinate all such assistance programs.

(4) COMMUNICATION OF PLAN- The President shall take the necessary steps to communicate to the people of Yugoslavia the plan for assistance developed under this section.

(5) REPORT- Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing in detail the plan required to be developed by paragraph (1).

Passed the House of Representatives September 25, 2000.

Attest:

Clerk.