The Russia Journal - 05.24.2002

 

The Russia Journal

Bush Urges US Congress to Lift Jackson-Vanik

From Reuters

MOSCOW - President George W. Bush urged the U.S. Congress on Friday to lift the 1974 Jackson-Vanik amendment, which places restrictions on trade with Russia.

Bush, addressing a Kremlin news conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin, said he welcomed freedoms introduced in post-communist society, including freedoms for Jews - the main reason for the imposition of the amendment in Soviet times.

"In recognition of these freedoms, I am determined to work with Congress to remove Russia from the Jackson-Vanik amendment," he said. "It is time our Congress responded to my request, to President Putin's desire, that the Jackson-Vanik amendment be removed pertaining to Russia.

The U.S. Senate failed this week to take the necessary steps to remove the amendment.