Speech #990221756

In his report to Congress. President Reagan notes that progress has been made in resolving many of the concerns of those who have challenged Romanias MFN status. According to the President. emigration from Romania has increased substantially in the 10 years since the waiver authority has been in effect. The Romanian Governments implementation of new procedures for emigration from Romania to the United States has reduced the hardships previously imposed on such emigres. And the Romanian Government has continued to honor its commitment that it would not require reimbursement of eduction costs as a precondition of emigration. While the Presidents transmission does note that progress remains to be made in the area of religious liberties. the President concludes that extension of Romanias MFN status will "* * * enable us to have an impact on human rights concerns and to help to strengthen the extent of religious observance in Romania." I concur in his determination. Indeed. notwithstanding the alleged SE 17963 efforts of the Romanian Government to suppress the free expression of religious values by its people. the President has concluded that the widespread practice of religion in Romania. especially among the Protestant denominations. is growing faster than in other Communistbloc nations.