Speech #930345687

I know that he wants to be as specific as possible. and I want to achieve the same objective. The amendment that we have before us includes the reunification of families. much of what he has in mind. I would point out that the western nations that have been participating in the conference on security and cooperation in Europe. which. as the Senator knows. is now in progress in Geneva. recently achieved success in gaining Soviet agreement on texts which will strengthen peopletopeople EastWest contacts. including family reunification. In my judgment. the agreement that we achieved on Soviet emigration practices on October 18 provided a critical boost to western nations in their efforts to gain progress in the area of freedom of movement. and the junior Senator from North Carolina can take pride in this progress as a cosponsor of the pending amendment. I am concerned that if the language of his amendment. insofar as it relates to visitation. is put in this bill. it might prejudice the agreement that we have already worked out. This has been worked out over a period of more than 2 years. and it is only the concern that I raise in connection with his amendment.