[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 30 (Wednesday, February 15, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H1765]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  YELTSIN SHOULD END THE CHECHNYAN WAR

  (Mr. ROEMER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, this week has seen only fragmented progress 
toward ending the war in Chechnya. It is my hope when President Yeltsin 
gives his State of the Union Address tomorrow, he will define a clear 
strategy to end the Chechen conflict. We must do all we can to pressure 
President Yeltsin to end this costly and potentially protracted 
guerrilla war. We have invested a great deal in promoting democracy in 
Russia, and as long as the U.S. continues to provide aid to Russia, we 
have an obligation to ensure that Russia continues along this course of 
reform. The war in Chechnya certainly undermines these efforts, as the 
Russians have spent over $2 billion in 8 weeks. Future IMF loans seem 
unlikely.
  Please join me and Representative Wolf in sending a letter to 
President Clinton urging him not to attend the Moscow summit in May 
unless the Chechen war is ended. Over 56 Representatives have already 
signed this letter.


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