Speech #990213611

Mr. President. there has been a disturbing crescendo of support for normalization of trade relations with the Soviet Union. Some have called for a moratorium on the application of the JacksonVanik amendment. which prohibits the granting of mostfavorednation trading status to a Communist nation. such as the Soviet Union. that restricts the emigration of its people. Mr. President. in the June 24 edition of the Wall Street Journal Melvyn Krauss points out that the Soviets have embarked upon a highly visible campaign to improve their human rights image in the international community. Mr. Krauss accurately asserts that this campaign is not a signal that the Soviets are in fact interested in sharply curbing their emigration restrictions. but are conducting a cosmetic charade intended to open additional international markets for their own commodities and thereby stimulate the Soviet economy. The article states the sensible and realistic view that normalization of trade relations with the Soviets should be pursued with extreme caution and that such normalization be predicated on the progress of Soviet emigration policy far beyond its current status. Mr. President.