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Euroasian Jewish News
Graduation from the Jackson-Vanik Amendment.
22.11.2005
November 21, 2005 – New York – The American Jewish Committee welcomes the U.S. Senate vote to lift the trade restrictions on Ukraine that were imposed on the Soviet Union in 1974 when Congress adopted the Jackson-Vanik Amendment to press for freedom of emigration.
AJC, an advocate for strengthening democracy in the former communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe, sent a letter to all members of Congress in August urging the “graduation” of Ukraine from the Jackson-Vanik Amendment.
"Our hope is that the United States Congress will seize the appropriate legislative and other opportunities to help foster closer bilateral ties between Kiev and Washington and to recognize and encourage the deep yearning for a modern, Western-oriented society," wrote AJC Executive Director David A. Harris after returning from a visit to Kiev in July. The AJC delegation met with senior government officials, leaders of civic institutions and representatives of the Jewish community.
"Graduation from the Jackson-Vanik Amendment is a goal we fully share," Harris wrote.
AJC now will urge the U.S. House of Representatives to vote in support of lifting the restrictions on Ukraine, so the measure can be delivered to the White House for signature by President Bush.
American Jewish Committee
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