as we move to pntr, we would like to get your view as to how to use the opportunity. assistant secretary gordon was quoted when responding to what congress might do on pntr, on human rights he said we will see what congress demands. i would hope we can working to o the issue and welcome your thoughts as to how to use this opportunity. >> first, let me commend you for your long work on behalf of the helsinki commission and the interest in the osce which i believe not only played an important historical role, but still has a role to play in maintaining emphasis on human rights. promoting universal human rights is one of the highest priorities for the united states around the world. we engage on behalf of human rights every day, everywhere. our other priority which we don't think is in conflict, but one of experience is promoting trade and boosting our economy. we strongly believe that voting is a vote to create american jobs. we agree that we think it's important that we go ahead and do that. jackson-vanik served a very important role in the past by helping thousands of

completing nearly 300 trade agreements including nafta, gat and securing pntr with china. passage of the jobs through trade expansion act in 1994 that supported the overseas private investment corporation and strengthened protection of intellectual property. support of small business through the small business job protection act, the small business guaranteed credit enhancement act, and the small business lending enforcement act. and of great significance to the audience, support for numerous bills supporting the ex-im bank, notably the export-import bank reauthorization act of 1997. not a bad run there, mr. president. and president clinton's impact on the world hasn't stopped. as examples establishment of the william j. clinton foundation with the intent to convert good intentions to good results. by fostering partnerships between governments, businesses, ngos and private citizens. the clinton global initiative convincing global leaders to address the world's toughest issues. the climate initiative working with 40 of the world's largest cities to reduce green house gases.

pntr is not leverage. the sooner we go about doing it, the better because it is in our interest to do it. it has nothing to do with russia. that requires leadership. it requires the administration. the white house. the department of state. foreign policy establishment because the debate and discussion is largely poor policy human rights debate discussion -- foreign-policy human rights debate discussions. there are legitimate issues associated with russia, not having to do with the trade, the wto, pntr. the sooner the better. it is a bipartisan issue that congress should move this. i would argue -- i have argued in writing that it is in our interest, the u.s. interest, for foreign-policy reasons. it is in russia's interest. it is in the economic and commercial interests of both countries. i leave it at that. we have plenty to talk about. thank you for inviting us here today. [applause] >> man gets some help up here so we can on blood this? -- may i get some help up here so we can unplug this? [laughter] tha