Speech #980107575

Speaker. in the discussions that have ensued as a result of the Korean airliner incident. there has been precious little dialog about the impact of this event on the Soviet Jewry movement. Unfortunately. American pollcymakers have discussed nearly every aspect of this issue while neglecting to include one vital aspect of American policy: our commitment to Soviet Jewish emigration and human rights. It is to the benefit of the Congress. and all Americans. that the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews has organized this special order. In the wake of the most recent vicious human rights violation perpetrated by the Soviets. we must not ignore this important aspect of United StatesSoviet relations. Although there is little of positive value that one can say about this incident. and the current status of SovietAmerican relations. we must endeavor to see what possible actions can be pursued that will help to break the stalemate in SovietJewish emigration. Mr. Speaker. the United States must continue to press the Soviets on this issue. in effect making Soviet Jewish emigration a test of Soviet intentions in their relationship with the United States. It is clear that the Soviets blatant disregard for human rights is shaken by very little short of direct pressure which forces them to recognize the rights which are conferred upon all individuals under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Helsinki accords. Although the Soviets are signatories of these agreements. their actions display a wanton failure to adhere to principles which the world community considers to be the intrinsic rights of all people throughout the world. Mr. Speaker. unless we place the human rights issue at the top of our agenda with the Soviets. we will continue to witness the current low rate of Jewish emigration and a further deterioration in human rights conditions in the Soviet Union. Mr. Speaker. this issue must remain a part of the ongoing negotiations between our countries. It is vital that the Soviet Jewry issue not be shunted aside as prisoners of conscience and Jewish refuseniks continue to languish in the Soviet Union. It is our duty. as the leading democracy in the world. to reassert our commitment to Soviet Jewish emigration. Mr. Speaker. I call on President Reagan to heed the words of Soviet Jewry activists through the country who call on him to publicly affirm an American policy which is committed to utilizing all possible opportunities to achieve renewed progress in Soviet Jewish emigration.9