Chris Smith: “though the Congress is naturally focused and preoccupied with the historic process of reform, we should not ignore what…”

“though the Congress is naturally focused and preoccupied with the historic process of reform, we should not ignore what is going on in the world. As you all know, President Yeltsin has sent the Russian Army to subdue the self-proclaimed Chechen Republic, which declared independence in 1991 under the leadership of former Soviet Air Force Gen. Djokar Dudaev. Last Thursday, I had a meeting with Dr. Elena Bonner, widow of Andrei Sakharov and president of the Sakharov Foundation. She recently resigned from President Yeltsin's Human Rights Commission to protest the military campaign in Chechnya, which she has described as a step on the road back to totalitarianism. Dr. Bonner urged the U.S. Congress to do whatever it can to help resolve the Chechen crisis peacefully. Mr. Speaker, Chechnya's desire for independence from Russia raises questions that are indeed difficult and troubling. The international community has not defined the limits and framework of self-determination, and has, in fact, shied away from this vexing issue, which many Governments view as threatening. Moreover, there is reason for concern about the potential breakup of the Russian Federation, which could follow a successful Chechen bid for independence.”