Itar-Tass - 04.12.2002

 

from Info-Tass

An influential congressman intends to tie in the graduation of Russia from the Jackson-Vanik Amendment with the observance of human rights in the Russian Federation

 By Andrey Surzhanskiy,  Itar-Tass correspondent

(Washington) -- Congressman Tom Lantos is planning to tie in the approval of the draft law concerning the graduation of Russia from the Jackson-Vanik Amendment with the observance of human rights. The Congressman reported this on Thursday in his interview with the Itar-Tass correspondent while hearings were going on in Congress.  This amendment that was adopted in 1974 to the trade law, links economic relations with the problem of emigration, and also demands for Russia a regular confirmation for the status of a normal U.S. trade partner.  

It was already at the end of the last year that the Bush Administration addressed Lantos, the only Member of Congress who is a Holocaust survivor, with the request to head the efforts in Congress on the issue of graduating Russia from the amendment, and to prepare a corresponding draft law.  Being a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Lower Chamber, Lantos maintains close relations with the Administration, and also with influential Jewish organizations.  His word concerning the decision on graduation from the Jackson-Vanik Amendment is especially effective.   

The Congressman informed us that he had recently sent Dr. Condoleezza Rice, the President’s National Security Adviser, a note suggesting to include into the draft law the points concerning human rights in the Russian Federation, and returning to the religious organizations the property that had been nationalized during the Soviet period. “These are very reasonable, moderate suggestions. They are of friendly character and answer the interests of the United States, as well as of Russia,” commented the Congressman. – “I don’t anticipate any complications with their adoption.”  Among his other suggestions: creation of a joint commission that will monitor observance of human rights in Russia.  According to Lantos, the immediate reaction of Dr. Condoleezza Rice to these suggestions was “very positive.”

Translated by Judy Turkeltaub

April 12, 2002