    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [December 31, 1997]
    [Page 1]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1]]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting a Report on the Emigration
    Policies and Trade Status of Certain Former Eastern Bloc States
    December 31, 1997

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        On September 21, 1994, I determined and reported to the Congress
    that the Russian Federation was in ``full compliance'' with the freedom
    of emigration criteria of sections 402 and 409 of the Trade Act of 1974.
    On June 3, 1997, I determined and reported to the Congress that Armenia,
    Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine were in ``full compliance''
    with the freedom of emigration criteria of sections 402 and 409 of the
    Trade Act of 1974. On December 5, 1997, I determined and reported to the
    Congress that Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and
    Uzbekistan were in ``full compliance'' with the freedom of emigration
    criteria of sections 402 and 409 of the Trade Act of 1974. These actions
    allowed for the continuation of most-favored-nation (MFN) status and
    certain other activities without the requirement of an annual waiver.
        As required by law, I am submitting an updated report to the
    Congress concerning the emigration laws and policies of Armenia,
    Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, the Russian
    Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. You will
    find that the report indicates continued compliance with U.S. and
    international standards in the area of emigration for these countries.
        Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House
    of Representatives, and Albert Gore, Jr., President of the Senate. This
    letter was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on January 2,
    1998.