[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.