    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [August 8, 2003]
    [Page 987]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting a Report on the Extension
    of Normal Trade Relations Status for Certain Former Eastern Bloc States
    August 8, 2003

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        I hereby submit an updated report to the Congress, prepared by my
    Administration, consistent with sections 402(b) and 409(b) of the Trade
    Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2432(b) and 2439(b)), concerning the
    emigration laws and policies of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan,
    Moldova, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and
    Uzbekistan. The report indicates continued compliance of these countries
    with international standards concerning freedom of emigration, with the
    exception of Turkmenistan. In light of new developments, I am submitting
    a waiver for Turkmenistan.
             Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush

    Note: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the
    House of Representatives, and Richard B. Cheney, President of the
    Senate.