Statement on the Release of Anatoly Shcharanskiy
From the Soviet Union
(February 11, 1986)
The President today spoke by telephone with Prime
Minister Shimon
Peres [of Israel], Anatoly
Shcharanskiy, and Mrs. Shcharanskiy,
who had just arrived at the airport in Tel Aviv. The call lasted 8 minutes,
1:08 p.m. to 1:16 p.m. The President told Prime Minister Peres he was
very pleased over the releases, noting that Chancellor Kohl [of the
Federal Republic of Germany] played a key role in putting together this
exchange. He added that we will not stop pressing for improvements in
the situation of Soviet Jews, including emigration rights.
On behalf of the American people, the President expressed
to Dr. Shcharanskiy delight over the release and that he had joined
his wife in Israel. The President commended his courage and fortitude
as symbols of the human will for freedom, adding that his many long
years of imprisonment and suffering had been painful for all who care
about human rights. The President concluded by saying he would continue
his own efforts and those of the Government to support human rights
in the Soviet Union and elsewhere.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |