[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 11 (Thursday, February 12, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RUSSIAN TRANSFER OF SENSITIVE TECHNOLOGY TO ROGUE NATIONS

  Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, today's article from today's Washington 
Post is yet more indication, unfortunately, of the bad faith with which 
Russia has been dealing with us on the transfer of sensitive technology 
to rogue nations, particularly, dual use and missile technology.
  I am on the Foreign Affairs Committee and chair the Middle East 
Subcommittee. And something that has been very troubling to me is the 
introduction into the Middle East, particularly into Iran and into 
Iraq, of technology that can be used for missile development, for use 
of the delivery of weapons of mass destruction, even the development of 
weapons of mass destruction like biological warfare, biological and 
chemical warfare weapons.
  Evidence was in the Washington Post, again, today, that once again--
not just the first time--but once again Russian companies, with links 
to the Government, were involved in violating the U.N. authorized 
embargo on sales to Iraq of dual-use equipment. And this is outrageous. 
And it is preposterous that they would be doing it.
  The transfer to Iraq--which is a rogue nation, with a leader who does 
not operate under internationally recognized civilized codes--of any 
dual-use technology is unacceptable. And yet once again today we have 
another example.
  The transfer of equipment, such as the fermentation equipment, which 
was alluded to today, which can be used to develop biological weapons, 
and the possible collusion with the Iraqis against UNSCOM to hide 
technology and weapons, is proof of a cynical bad faith which is 
untenable. If this information is true--and I am told it is well 
grounded--the Russians are making a mockery of a very serious issue, 
and, more importantly, they are putting U.S. forces at increased risk.

  This type of behavior has immense implications for a policy towards 
Iran as well and the administration's efforts to curb these sales of 
equipment that can be used to deliver or to develop weapons of mass 
destruction. This cynicism should not be rewarded.
  I understand that we have been holding up Senate bill 1311, the Iran 
Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act, in deference to the Russians to 
give them time to prove their good faith and in deference to the Vice 
President's meeting with them in March. In view of the latest 
developments and this information, I believe such deference is 
misplaced. I request that Senate bill 1311 be moved up on the Senate 
calendar. I will make that request known to the leadership and ask that 
they proceed forward because this ``good faith'' that we are offering 
has obviously been received in a way of making bad-faith steps by the 
Russians and is further proof today this cannot be allowed to continue. 
Every day it is allowed to continue, more and more U.S. lives are at 
risk. It cannot be allowed to continue.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. McCAIN. I ask unanimous consent to address the Senate for 10 
minutes as in morning business. I do that with the agreement of the 
Senator from North Dakota.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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