[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 28 (Monday, July 13, 1998)]
[Page 1354]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting a Report on Emigration 
Policies of Certain Former Eastern Bloc States

July 9, 1998

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 these same criteria, and I made an identical determination on 
December 5, 1997, with respect to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, 
Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. These actions allowed for the continuation 
of most-favored-nation (MFN) status for these countries 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. The 
report indicates continued compliance of these countries with 
international standards concerning freedom of emigration.
    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.