Speech #970230498

Although I believe the human rights record of Romania clearly demonstrates violation of basic human freedoms. I do not believe the resolution before us will serve to stimulate any improvement on the part of the Romanian Government in their human rights position. Withdrawal of MFN status and the trade benefits associated with it would only leave the United States with no leverage to influence the Romanian Governments actions toward its citizens wishing to emigrate. Although I do not support House Resolution 521. I worked as a member of the Subcommittee on Trade to strengthen the committee report language to impress upon the Romanian Government the seriousness with which the committee members view human rights in their country. The committee has added specific goals to the report language to be met by the Romanians. We emphasized that committee consideration of next years waiver will depend on the success of the Romanian Government in reducing the emigration application backlog and not obstructing the departure of those waiting 9 months or more. The committee will also examine the Romanian Governments success in sim-