Speech #1010128288

The Soviet Government does not appear to be directly responsible for this antiSemitic behavior. but it continues to tolerate groups like Pamyat and to sanction groups with antiSemitic platforms. It is time for the Soviet Government to accept the responsibilities that follow democratic reforms. and take active steps to end this antiSemitic behavior. President Gorbachev must begin by publicly condemning antiSemitism and providing every Soviet Jewish citizen the opportunity to practice their religion or. if they wish. to emigrate. The Soviet Union cannot just ignore this grave situation. action must be taken. Though the Soviets have made significant progress toward allowing free emigration. there are still some significant problems which must not be ignored. Since 1987. I have been writing letters on behalf of Vladimir Raiz. a Soviet Jewish citizen. For the past 17 years. Mr. Raz. a molecular biologist who was never involved in classified work. has been denied an exit visa from the Soviet Union due to his alleged exposure to state secrets some 25 years ago. The Soviet Government has denied emigration freedoms to several other Jewish citizens on the basis of national security as well. In most cases. these Soviet Jews. known as refuseniks. were exposed to socalled state secrets many years earlier and could not possibly pose a threat to Soviet national security. Currently. legislation is pending before the Supreme Soviet that would limit to 5 years the amount of time persons with access to state secrets may be denied permission to emigrate. If passed this legislation would resolve nearly all cases involving refuseniksincluding Vladimir Ralzwho have been denied exit visas for over 5 years. However. the Supreme Soviet has failed to even consider this bill. The Soviets must take action to free all refuseniks. and we in the United States must not forget them in our haste to move forward with new trade and economic relationships with the Soviets.