    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 3 (Monday, January 24, 1994)]
    [Pages 83-84]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Joint American-Russian Statement on Human Rights

    January 14, 1994

        The President of the United States of America and the President of
    the Russian Federation share the view that full guarantees of respect
    for basic human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons are
    indispensable for the maintenance of good relations between countries
    and the strengthening of stability and security in the world. They also
    share the view that the development of a state founded on the rule of
    law with an independent, impartial and effective legal system is
    essential for the respect of human rights.
        They agree that aggressive nationalism and political extremism are
    the main threat to peace and democracy today. They therefore reaffirm
    their resolve to focus attention, through joint efforts where possible,
    on violations of human rights wherever they may occur and to continue to
    work for the elimination of discrimination, intolerance, racial and
    national prejudices, xenophobia and anti-Semitism. Adhering to the
    principle of intolerance of any nationalistic or religious extremism,
    they reiterate their commitment to take all necessary measures for the
    effective guarantee of the rights of all citizens, regardless of their
    nationality or religion.
        They will take coordinated steps to increase the effectiveness of
    the activities of international organizations and mechanisms in order to
    improve human rights practices everywhere and to guarantee their full
    respect. They reaffirm the determination of CSCE Foreign Ministers in
    Rome that better use of CSCE human dimension instruments, including CSCE
    missions, should be made to promote open and diverse media. They
    reiterate their commitment to safeguard freedom of expression as a basic
    human right and underscore its importance for a free and open society.
        The United States reaffirms its support for democratic reforms in
    Russia. Among these reforms are the establishment of an independent
    judiciary as a fundamental part of

    [[Page 84]]

    a state based on the rule of law, the strengthening of other foundations
    of a civil society and full realization of personal rights and
    liberties. The Presidents agree that the continued success of the
    democratic transformation in Russia is of great importance for the
    promotion of the principles of democracy and human rights all over the
    world and for the maintenance of international stability and security.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this communique. This item was not received in time for publication in
    the appropriate issue.