Speech #970004870

I strongly support the concurrent resolution offered by my distinguished colleague. the gentleman from New York (Mr. Fish) which urges the Soviet Union to honor its commitment to international law and to its own Constitution by allowing Dr. Viktor Brailovsky to receive proper medical care and permitting his family and him to emigrate to Israel. Article 42 of the Soviet Constitution of 1977 guarantees that "citizens of the U.S.S.R. have the right to health protection" and cites that nations commitment to "reduce the incidence of diseases and insure citizens of a long and active life." I call upon the Soviet Government to give meaning to these words by providing Dr. Brailovsky with the medical treatment he critically needs. I further call on the Soviet Government to recognize the final act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. As a signator to this document. the Soviet Union has agreed to respect individual rights and fundamental freedoms. and its commitment to these principles can be demonstrated by allowing the Brailovskys to emigrate. The imprisonment and treatment of Dr. Brailovsky contravenes the basic tenets of universal human rights. and I am privileged to join in supporting this resolution.*