Speech #960093871

Mr. Chairman. I agree fully in the use of all possible political and trade leverage to encourage Romania to reduce emigration barriers and commit itself to human rights. There is a legitimate question raised by the gentleman from Pennsylvania as to whether an extension of mostfavorednation trade status for an additional year would be the best means to implement and apply this leverage. I compliment him for raising this question and he has done this House and Nation great service by addressing our attention to it. The gentleman from Pennsylvania has been very thorough. diligent. and competent in his handling of this matter. I do not think there is anyone more concerned with the threats of communism. denial of human rights. and barriers to emigration than he. He is quite correct that this extension should not be enacted without discussing these concerns. Having done so. however. I support the extension for only 1 year and do so in agreement with the reservations expressed by the gentleman from Pennsylvania as to why Romania must be encouraged to reverse its recent reluctance to allow emigration. particularly by its Jewish population. I disagree that cancellation of mostfavorednation status for Romania is the best means to encourage less restrictive emigration practices. I fear this would only force Romania to retreat from its trade and political exchange with the West and return to increased reliance upon the Soviet Union. This certainly would not encourage the relaxation of emigration restrictions or improvement of human rights conditions as the Soviets are among the worlds worst offenders in both instances. I believe extension of mostfavorednation status to Romania will continue to let us chip away at Soviet influence over Romania. chip away at restrictive emigration limitations. and chip away at its human rights violations. I find encouragement in support for the 1year extension by Bnai Brith as it closely monitors Jewish emigration on a daytoday basis and supports only those alternatives it finds to promote freedom of emigration. Mr. Chairman.