In June I received what I thought was good news from the Soviet Embassy. The letter indicated that Boris Chernobilsky was granted permission to leave the Soviet Union. Friends and relatives of his were elated by this news and anticipated the Chernobilsky familys emigration to Israel. But Boris Chernobilsky had heard nothing in Moscow. and he was told by Soviet authorities that his exit visa had not been granted. He is still waiting for a clarification of his emigration status from Soviet authorities. Mr. President. hundreds of thousands of Soviet Jews like Boris Chernobllsky wish to leave the Soviet Union. Depsite the increased emigration this year. too few Jews are being granted exist visas. I certainly welcome the Soviet policy of glasnost. which has brought somewhat higher levels of Jewish emigration and greater openness in Soviet society. But glasnost will remain incomplete as long as individuals such as Boris Chernobilsky are denied the right to emigrate. persecuted for practicing their religion. and cruelly punished for their dissent. The American people cannot fully embrace new offers of friendship and cooperation from Moscow as long as the Soviet Government continues to oppress the basic rights of its own citizens.$
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