[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Pages 18089-18090]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         REPEAL OF JACKSON-VANIK TRADE RESTRICTIONS ON MOLDOVA

  Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I rise in support of an amendment to the 
National Defense Authorization Act, which would repeal the Cold War-era 
Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions on Moldovan products and thereby 
provide impetus for closer U.S. strategic engagement between our two 
nations.
  I have introduced this legislation in the previous three Congresses 
and believe that the time is ripe for Moldova to finally be granted 
permanent normal trade relations. Moldova has been in the WTO since 
2001 but still remains subject to Jackson-Vanik, despite currently 
being in full compliance with Jackson-Vanik-related concerns. Until the 
United States terminates application of Jackson-Vanik on Moldova, the 
U.S. will not benefit from Moldova's market access commitments nor can 
it resort to WTO dispute resolution mechanisms. While all other WTO 
members

[[Page 18090]]

currently enjoy these benefits, the United States does not.
  The Republic of Moldova has been evaluated every year and granted 
normal trade relations with the United States through annual 
presidential waivers from the effects of Jackson-Vanik. The Moldovan 
constitution guarantees its citizens the right to emigrate and this 
right is respected in practice. Most emigration restrictions were 
eliminated in 1991 and virtually no problems with emigration have been 
reported since independence. More specifically, Moldova does not impose 
emigration restrictions on members of the Jewish community. Synagogues 
function openly and without harassment. As a result, several past 
administrations, including this one, have found that Moldova is in full 
compliance with Jackson-Vanik's provisions.
  The United States and Moldova have established a strong record of 
achievement in security and non-proliferation cooperation. We have 
encouraged Moldova's ambition of European integration, particularly in 
light of the new coalition that was swept to power in 2009, the 
Alliance for European Integration.
  One of the areas where we can deepen U.S.-Moldovan relations is 
bilateral trade. In light of its adherence to freedom of emigration 
requirements, compliance with threat reduction and cooperation in the 
global war on terrorism, the products of Moldova should not be subject 
to the sanctions of Jackson-Vanik.
  The continued support and encouragement of the United States and the 
international community will be key to encouraging the Government of 
Moldova to follow through on important reforms. The permanent waiver of 
Jackson-Vanik and establishment of permanent normal trade relations 
will be the foundation on which further progress in a burgeoning 
economic, trade, and security partnership can be made.
  I am hopeful that my colleagues will join me in supporting this 
important amendment.

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