DATE=11/16/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CONGRESS-RUSSIA/CHECHNYA (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-256251
BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The U-S Congress is speaking out on the
situation in Chechnya. The House has condemned
Russian attacks on Chechen civilians, while key
members of the Senate have urged specific action by
President Clinton. We have more from V-O-A's Paula
Wolfson.
TEXT: Congress has said little in recent weeks about
the fighting in Chechnya. That silence is now broken.
In the midst of budget negotiations with the White
House, House members went to their legislative chamber
to debate a resolution on the Chechen situation.
Their resolution is, in essence, an expression of deep
concern. It urges the Russian government to stop the
use of force against Chechen civilians, and to open
negotiations with regional leaders.
The bill cleared the House with overwhelming support
(407-4). It is not binding on the White House. But
it is a warning from a Congress that votes on foreign
aid, defense spending, and other issues watched
closely in Moscow.
New Jersey Republican Christopher Smith authored the
resolution.
/// SMITH ACT ///
The Russian government is justified in rebuffing
armed aggression against its territorial
integrity. Moreover, one can certainly
sympathize with Russia's frustration when
unsolved bombings kill almost 300 persons in
Russia. But this does not justify reactivating
a war against the civilian population in
Chechnya.
/// END ACT ///
He was joined by another human rights activist in the
House - Democrat Tom Lantos of California.
/// LANTOS ACT ///
Russia is a civilized country. And it is high
time it returned to civilized behavior.
/// END ACT ///
Members of the Senate are also making their concerns
known. Twelve senior Republicans have sent a letter
to President Clinton urging him to bring up the matter
during this week's European security summit in
Istanbul.
The Senators want Mr. Clinton to demand an immediate
cease-fire when he meets with Russian President Boris
Yeltsin. And they say the White House should drop
plans to sign an amended arms control treaty with the
Russian leader.
The Adapted Conventional Forces In Europe Treaty, as
it is formally known, modifies a 1990 agreement that
limits deployments of artillery, tanks and other
armored vehicles.
The signatories of the letter include Senate
Republican leader Trent Lott, and Foreign Relations
Committee Chairman Jesse Helms. They say Russia is
not living up to its commitments under the existing
conventional forces treaty, indicating the amended
pact would stand little chance of winning Senate
ratification. (Signed)
NEB/PW/TVM/PT
16-Nov-1999 19:23 PM EDT (17-Nov-1999 0023 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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