ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationClinton · D Quiet signal

Presidential Determination

Assistance Program for the New Independent States of the Former Soviet Union

President Clinton waived a congressional restriction that would have cut off U.S. assistance to Russia due to Russian nuclear cooperation with Iran. The determination allows FY 1996 and FY 1997 funds for the New Independent States to flow to Russia despite Russia's ongoing nuclear assistance to Iran, citing the importance of supporting Russian democratic and economic reform.

Federal Register Open PDF 61 FR 59171

Impact dates

  1. Determination effective; waiver exercised

Key directives

  • Waive subsection (o) restriction on assistance to Russia
  • Notify Congress of determination
  • Arrange Federal Register publication

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Waiver takes effect upon determination; funds released for FY 1996 and FY 1997 appropriations

Near term (90d)

  • Continued U.S.-Russia diplomatic engagement on Iran nuclear cooperation
  • Assistance programs proceed without interruption

Long term

  • Ongoing tension between nonproliferation goals and Russia engagement strategy
  • Potential future congressional restrictions in subsequent appropriations cycles

Risks & tensions

  • Congressional-executive tension: overrides explicit legislative condition on aid
  • Nonproliferation vs. engagement tradeoff: enables aid while Russia assists Iran's nuclear program
  • Credibility risk: repeated waivers may weaken congressional conditionality
  • Bargaining leverage question: whether aid continuation reduces or increases U.S. leverage on Iran issue
Presidential Determination: Assistance Program for the New Independent States of the Former Soviet Union · Executive Orders