The Soviet Union accepted the terms of the Helsinki agreement in 1975. and yet it has done nothing to live up to the terms of the agreement. When Soviet citizens. like Shcharansky. cite Soviet failures. they are charged with crimes against the state and subjected to cruel and inhuman punishment. This fourth anniversary of Shcharanskys imprisonment is an appropriate time to appeal to the Soviet Union to release him and allow him to emigrate to Israel to join his wife. Ten days ago Soviet leaders claimed they want improved relations with the United States. I am certain that the Reagan administration will not accept the Soviets proposals for improved relations without some demonstration of their willingness to conduct themselves more responsibly in international affairs. At the same time. I believe the administration should emphasize to the Soviets the importance of allowing Jewish dissidents the right to emigrate. The appeal must be made not only for Shcharansky but also for the many other dissidents and refuseniks who are being persecuted in the Soviet Union. I hope that the occasion of this special order will remind my colleagues that all the Soviets pronounced desires for respect for human rights and human dignity cannot erase the reality of that nations scorn for the rights of others. whether in its own country. or Afghanistan or Poland or Central America.
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emigrate