Speech #970149592

I want to express in the RECORD my support of House Concurrent Resolution 100. legislation adopted today expressing concern for the "Siberian Seven." the seven members of the Chmykhalov and Vashchenko families. who have sought refuge in the U.S. Embassy in Moscow because of the suppression of their Pentecostal faith by the Government of the Soviet Union. Since 1962. 13 members of the Vashchenko family and 11 members of the Chmykhalov family have been denied permission to emigrate from the Soviet Union to practice their Pentecostal faith. Living in the town of Chernogorsk. Siberia. the Pentecostals were subjected to physical and psychological harassment. including imprisonment. beatings. separation of family members. confinement in mental institutions. kidnaping of children. and unexplained deaths.