ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationClinton · D

Presidential Determination

Assistance Program for the Government of the Russian Federation

President Clinton certified that the Russian government had not implemented discriminatory actions against religious groups, allowing U.S. assistance to continue under Section 577(a) of the 1998 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act. The determination acknowledged concerning elements of Russia's 1997 Law on Religion but concluded federal officials were applying it permissively, while flagging ongoing regional abuses requiring monitoring.

Federal Register Open PDF 63 FR 30365

Key directives

  • Notify Congress of this determination
  • Arrange for publication in the Federal Register
  • Continue close contact with religious communities and NGOs to assess effects of new law
  • Make clear to Russian Government the requirements of Section 577(a)
  • Urge federal authorities to reverse discriminatory local actions and reprimand officials at fault
  • Encourage federal action to ensure regional laws do not contradict constitutional and international guarantees
  • Continue to make clear U.S. view that federal law should ultimately be changed

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Determination and certification transmitted to Congress
  • Federal Register publication authorized
  • U.S. assistance to Russia continues without interruption

Near term (90d)

  • State Department and U.S. Embassy Moscow to maintain close contact with religious communities and NGOs
  • Monitoring of regional application of Law on Religion

Long term

  • Continued U.S. engagement on religious freedom with Russian federal authorities
  • Potential federal legislative change to Law on Religion urged
  • Constitutional Court challenge to Article 27(3) anticipated

Risks & tensions

  • Certification relies heavily on federal promises rather than actual protection of religious minorities at regional level
  • Law on Religion contains ambiguous provisions enabling future discrimination
  • Regional-local abuses documented but dismissed as not reflecting federal policy
  • U.S. prioritizes diplomatic engagement and aid continuity over conditioning assistance on measurable improvements
  • 15-year waiting period for new religious organizations remains in law despite U.S. concerns
  • Anecdotal reporting limitations may undercount actual harassment incidents
Presidential Determination: Assistance Program for the Government of the Russian Federation · Executive Orders