The Soviet Union has continually used these goodwill gestures to show their good faith efforts at promoting world peace and freedom. However. when these cosmetic moves are seen in proper context. they prove to be calculated and ominous. The case of Yosef Begun. whose recent permission to emigrate was announced with much fanfare before Mr. Shevardnadzes meetings with Secretary Shultz. illustrates the Soviets cynical approach to human rights. After a 16year struggle to emigrate and to maintain his Jewish culture and religion. exprisoner of Zion Begun has become a hostage of d6tente. a pawn to be used by the Soviet leadership to project an image of openness to the West. The reality that Yosef Begun embodies is that of the Soviets denial of cultural rights which their Constitution purports to protect and their noncompliance with international agreements guaranteeing free emigration. We in the West yearn to see a real opening in the Soviet Union and a genuine respect for human rights since totalitarian regimes pose the greatest threat to freedom loving people. Therefore. if Mr.
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emigrate emigration