FOR THE RECORD: CEEC on Russian Duma resolution (05/05/96)

FOR THE RECORD: CEEC on Russian Duma resolution

Following is the full text of the Central and East European Coalition's statement opposing the Russian Duma resolution on restoration of the USSR. It was released on March 31.

The Central and East European Coalition (CEEC), composed of 18 national organizations representing over 22 million Americans of Central and East European heritage, strongly objects to the resolution adopted by the State Duma of the Russian Federation, "On extending the integration that constituted the USSR..." As representatives of national organizations concerned with the plight of the new democracies within that region of the world, the Russian Resolution further propagates a pattern of rhetoric that disregards generally recognized principles and norms of international law.

Russia's hope to revive the former unified "union" state does not have any legal grounds and does not meet the realities of the political situation which has evolved, both in the independent countries which previously comprised the former USSR, and in the world community as a whole. Arguments from the West perceive this matter as an entirely Russian "internal affair" that holds no extra-territorial jurisdiction, though its intentions hold a high quality of intimidation for Russia's neighbors.

Words of condemnation from leaders of the world express the international consequences of this decision as an act of provocation aimed directly against the sovereignty of the states of the former Soviet Union. The vote reflects the platform of the Russian Communist Party, which received a strong backing in the December elections, and is presently favored in the presidential elections in June.

The vote further raises fears that the lower parliament resolution may direct a more forceful Russian foreign policy aimed at the Central and East European countries. Rising nationalism in Russia could once again lead the state to exert its hegemony over the entire region, therefore, unilateral attempts to change the political status of the NIS countries undermine their sovereignty and independence. The dissolution of the Soviet Union and the former Soviet Bloc came as a result of the political will of the countries, as demonstrated through peaceful demonstrations, national referendums, and free parliamentary and presidential elections.

Though the resolution has no legal consequences for the Central and East European countries, it must be underscored that the legislative body of Russia has shown its vision for the future. Any deliberate intention to re-institute the USSR would pose a threat to the entire world. The CEEC is not content in accepting Russian President Yeltsin's assertions that "this resolution is nonsense and nothing will come of it." The issue remains to be the threat of totalitarianism, which affects the national security interests of the United States and the world.

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