Tom Lantos: “I rise today to offer some observations regarding H.R. 3521, which includes the text of H.R. 528 that would establish…”

“I rise today to offer some observations regarding H.R. 3521, which includes the text of H.R. 528 that would establish normal trade relations for the Republic of Armenia. First, I wish to make clear I have supported conditionally terminating the application of the Jackson-Vanik amendment, known as Title IV, to the Soviet successor states, starting with the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Georgia in 2000. In the case of this legislation, I support granting permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status to Armenia. I believe that graduation from Jackson-Vanik will contribute to economic growth in Armenia. Starting in 1989, Armenia had been receiving annual Jackson-Vanik waivers, first as part of the Soviet Union and then as an independent country. It's time to make this process permanent. However, I also strongly believe that the graduation for any successor state must be conditioned upon the development of a legal structure that guarantees internationally recognized human rights for its Jewish citizens, and members of other religious, national and ethnic minorities.”