Speech #980277602

I wish to cite the Honorable MARK SILJANDER for his leadership in sponsoring similar measures on this important human rights issue. Senate Concurrent Resolution 11 does not deal with a new topic. Unfortunately. the issue of Jews being denied emigration rights has been a longstanding and troublesome matter. Soviet emigration statistics for its Jewish population have declined precipitously. The situation for Soviet Jews has gone from aggravated to acuteeven children are affected. Tens of thousands wish to leaveonly 75 per month are now permitted to do so. Those who remain have no prospects for a viable futurethey are harassed. abused. denied exercise of their religious and ethnic heritage. as well as sealed within Soviet borders. The essence of Senate Concurrent Resolution 11 calls on the Soviet Government to abide by its international obligations concerning its citizens rights. and to urge less restrictive emigration policies. Further it calls on U.S. officials to raise these concerns at every appropriate opportunity. and in the context of all phases of our relations with the Soviet Union. Mr. Speaker. I urge the adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution 11. and a Soviet move to relax its emigration policies. and respect the fundamental rights of its people.*