Speech #980065953

On June 27. 1979. 1980. 1981. and 1982. many of us in the Senate and in the House of Representatives joined with countless others to pledge our continued support to advancing their case. During the last Congress. 73 of my colleagues cosponsored legislation I introduced on behalf of the families. Individuals and organizations across the United States and Western Europe worked tirelessly toward successfully resolving the families emigration problems. Despite all efforts. the situation remained stalematedthe Soviets insisted that the seven leave the Embassy and return to their hometown to apply for emigration. Then in late December 1981. Lydia Vashchenko went on a hunger strike to protest Soviet inaction. She grew so weak that she had to be removed to Moscows Botkin Hospital. While recuperating in the hospital. Lydia wrote me that she had decided to return to Chernogorsk to reapply to emigrate in accordance with the Soviets demand. In February 1982. Lydia did return home and again filled out the necessary papers. After that. we waited and hopedwe waited and hoped until April of this year when we received word that Lydia had arrived in Vienna on the first leg of her journey to her new home in Israel. Once in Israel. she sent the necessary invitation to her family in an effort to speed up their emigration. On June 27. 1983. exactly 5 years after the seven had entered the American Embassy. the remaining 15 members of the Vashchenko family flew into Moscow and were met there by Lydia. On June 27. the Vashchenko family achieved what had for two decades been their cherished goalemigration to a new home. Mr. President. the longawaited conclusion in the Vashchenko emigration story is certainly gratifying and deserves notice here in the Senate and throughout the free world. But we must remember that while the Vashchenkos have happily realized their lifelong dream. the Chmykhalovs remain in Chernogorsk working to likewise fulfill their dream. Today as we rejoice at what June 27. 1983. has brought to the Vashchenkos we should commit ourselves with renewed energy and vigor to see that the Chmykhalovs and thousands of others seeking to emigrate will be able to celebrate a special day when longsought goals are achieveda day when dreams come true..