Speaker. we are receiving mixed signals about Soviet policy toward refuseniks. In 1985. Secretary Gorbachev stated that generally after 5 years and at most after 10 years individuals involved in classified work would be permitted to emigrate. The cases I have raised today all run counter to that assertion. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. to which the Soviet Union is a signatory party. states: "Everyone has the right to leave any country. including his own. and to return to his own country." (Article 13. section 2.) At a time when the whole world wonders whether glasnost really means a change in Soviet human rights policy. it is essential that we make clear to Secretary Gorbachev that the observance of human rights is a central concern of the American people and of the American Congress. In November. 912 Jews left the Soviet Union. the highest number of Jewish emigrants this year. Nevertheless. these figures are far below the peak year of emigration in 1979 when 51.000 Jews were allowed to emigrate. It is imperative that Soviet Jews and people of all religions be entitled to their right to emigrate if they wish or freely to worship and observe their cultural traditions if they chose to remain in the Soviet Union. We in the Congress must continue our efforts on behalf of refuseniks in the Soviet Union. This remains one of the principal areas of emphasis of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. Our continued efforts can make a difference in securing the release of individuals. we must continue to raise this issue. Mr. Speaker. it is my sincere hope that Secretary Gorbachev will come to understand the crucial importance of the observance of human rightsincluding the right of Soviet Jews freely to emigrate. Soviet observance of human rights will establish the foundation of trust that is essential if we are to have good relations between our two nations. Mr.
Keywords matched
emigrate emigration emigrants