We have no plans to extend MFN to any of these countries. because they have not Implemented the kinds of human rights practices required for MFN status. The Soviet Union also does not now receive MFN. On May 12 the President said that he is ready to work with Congress on a JacksonVanik waiver for the Soviet Union. if the Soviets codify their emigration laws in accordance with international standards and implement them faithfully. On May 31 he reiterated his readiness to consider granting the Soviets a JacksonVanik waiver if they liberalize emigration. In the last 3 years Soviet human rights practices have improved more than anyone would have thought possible. This is particularly so with regard to emigration. While there are still problems and the need for further movement. it would send the wrong message to the USSR if we react to these improvements by broadening the criteria for a JacksonVanik waiver. If enacted. the McClure amendment would severely undercut our leverage on Jewish emigration. which has worked to our advantage since 1974. The McClure amendment puts more weight on MFN than it can bear. It adds new criteria which the countries in the region are far from achieving. McClure would result in the loss of our leverage on emigration. Since its passage. JacksonVanik has provided four Administrations with the flexibility to encourage a wide range of human rights improvements.
Keywords matched
emigration