It is well known. Mr. President. that peak emigration over the past 20 years came in 1979. when some 51.000 Jews were allowed to leave the Soviet Union. That number was reduced by more than half the following year and reduced to fewer than 900 in 1984. this year looks no better. We have heard that Secretary Gorbachev is a different kind of leader. one who knows how to play to the Western press and how to make grandstand plays to benefit the Soviet Union. I say here today that no matter what propaganda ploys Mr. Gorbachev utilizes. this Senator and this body will never believe that he personally or the Soviet regime collectively is serious about peace and working constructively with the West until the treatment of Soviet Jews changes for the better. until emigration statistics increase and until human rights for all religious minoritiesChristian and Jewishare guaranteed and protected. Mr. President. at this time of thanksgiving and celebration. it is difficult and perhaps unpleasant to think about people and circumstances halfway around the world.
Keywords matched
emigration