Speaker. 55 Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle today Joined Congressman SOLARZ and me in sending a telegram to President Ford calling on him to speak out in behalf of Syrian Jewry during his meeting here today with that countrys foreign minister. Abdul Halim Khaddam. We also sent a telegram to Foreign Minister Khaddam pointing out that the easing.of emigration restrictions by his country would be recognized as a positive move toward peace in the Middle East and encourage better. more responsive United StatesSyrian relations. Our telegram to the President urged him to convey "the deep concern and interest of the American people and the Congress over the plight of Syrian Jewry and our desire that Syrian authorities allow those individuals who wish to emigrate from Syria to have the right to do so freely." Foreign Minister Khaddams visit follows the administrations decision to grant Syria a longterm loan of $58 million to modernize and enlarge the Damascus water supply and for agricultural production. In my view. this loan should be disallowed because it is both inconsistent with the United States basic traditions and beliefs. and contrary to the provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1974 requiring that no assistance be furnished to any nation which denies its citizens the freedom of movement and emigration. For the past several years. 4.500 Jews living in Syria have been the victims of numerous forms of discrimination. restrictions. arbitrary arrests. torture and general harassment. Forbidden to leave their country.
Keywords matched
emigrate emigration