Fair treatment on visas announced

WASHINGTON, DC—On Wednesday, February 27, 2008, the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC), comprised of 19 national organizations representing more than 22 million Americans, discussed a range of policy issues with presidential candidate Senator Hillary Clinton’s advisor, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Also present at the meeting was Lee Feinstein, Senator Clinton’s campaign National Security Director.

The meeting focused on key areas of concern for the CEEC, including Russia’s actions in the region, energy security and diversification, NATO enlargement, immigration and the visa waiver program, re-affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, as well as other human rights issues.

Secretary Albright noted Senator Clinton’s long record of support for the countries of the region and pointed to the challenges that America and our allies face. Recognizing the strong bonds that exist between the democracies of Central and Eastern Europe, Albright announced Hillary
Clinton’s plan to extend the visa-waiver program, in which Clinton stated, “our central and eastern European friends are first-class allies. Americans whose families hail from these countries should not be treated as second-class citizens.”

Albright also expressed confidence that Senator Clinton would continue to advance issues of concern to the Coalition and also confirmed her support of Hillary Clinton’s recent statement
calling for congressional passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution.

Albright thanked the CEEC for its important work and urged the group to remain engaged on the
issues.

“We appreciate Senator Clinton’s commitment to these critical issues as demonstrated by her support for fair treatment with respect to the visa-waiver program,” stated Nino Japaridze of the Georgian Association in the U.S. “We will continue our active engagement on these important policy matters,” Japaridze continued.

The Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) is comprised of 19 national membership organizations that represent more than 22 million Americans who can trace their heritage to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

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