[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 11, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1409-E1410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                            MFN FOR BULGARIA

                                 ______


                          HON. LEE H. HAMILTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 11, 1995
  Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I speak in favor of graduating Bulgaria 
from title IV trade restrictions, the Jackson-Vanik restrictions, under 
the Trade Act of 1974. I commend Mr. Crane, Mr. Rangel, and the entire 
Committee on Ways and Means for taking this timely action.
  Since the late 1980's Bulgaria has made great strides in ameliorating 
its political and economic circumstances. Bulgaria's communist 
government has collapsed, and in its place a democratic republic has 
emerged. The country's human rights record has improved dramatically. 
Emigration is no longer a problem; in fact, President Clinton 
determined in 1993 that Bulgaria is in full compliance with title IV 
freedom of emigration requirements. Although not yet completely 
resolved, the Government has made a sustained effort to strengthen its 
relations with Bulgaria's significant Turkish minority.
  On the economic front, Bulgaria's Government has implemented sweeping 
reforms modeled on free-market principles, including privatization. 
While reforms are perhaps not proceeding as smoothly as might have been 
expected, the economic situation in Bulgaria has improved substantially 
throughout the 1990's. Granting Bulgaria permanent MFN status would 
decrease the tariffs it pays and ensure that its economic reform 
program continues at an even faster rate.
  The United States would also directly benefit from lifting title IV 
restrictions vis-a-vis Bulgaria. In general terms, this policy would 
enhance bilateral trade relations between the two countries. More 
specifically, the extension of MFN status to Bulgaria is needed if the 
United States is to take full advantage of all GATT and WTO provisions, 
for Bulgaria is currently 

[[Page E 1410]]
in the process of acceding to the two international trade institutions.
  I urge my colleagues to support this measure which will provide an 
important political and economic boost for Bulgaria's democratic, free-
market development.


                          ____________________