PRE-TRIP BRIEFING ON ROMANIA FOR CONGRESSMAN MARK SILJANDER (R. MI)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP90B01370R001602000049-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 22, 2008
• Sequence Number: 49
• Publication Date: December 5, 1984
• Content Type: MEMO

Approved For Release 2008/10/22 : CIA-RDP90B01370R001602000049-0
OLL 84-4842
5 December 1984
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
SUBJECT: Pre-trip Briefing on Romania for Congressman
Mark Siljander (R., MI)
1. On 5 December 1984, Congressman Mark Siljander
(R., MI) was given a pre-trip briefing on the political/
economic/social situation in Romania. Mr. Siljander is
travelling to Romania on 9 December with a non-official
delegation sponsored by the Christian Watch International.
The purpose of the trip is to look into allegations that the
Romanian government is persecuting religious minority
groups, particularly Pentacostals and Baptists. (C)
2. from the Office of European Analysis
presented an overview of the current situation in Romania.
He discussed President Ceausescu's declining popularity
which comes amid a deteriorating economic situation that
features food and energy shortages, low industrial
productivity, and labor discontent. described the
concerns of the Hungarian minority and the continuing exodus
of C_crmanc to west Germany. He cautioned Mr. Siljander
3. With regard to the religious affiliation of Romanian
citizens, briefly outlined the various religious
communities and a government's treatment of them. He
pointed out that it is not possible to verify most charges
of persecution against evangelical groups, although
discrimination and harrassment appear commonplace. It was
pointed out that Romanian officials will make every effort
to convince Mr. Siljander that Romania is not persecuting
the so-called "neo-protestants." (C)
Approved For Release 2008/10/22 : CIA-RDP90B01370R001602000049-0
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4. The briefing concluded with a brief security-
awareness briefing by from the Office of
Security. She described e atmosphere in Bucharest and
offered suggestions on how visitors to Bloc countries can
best avoid any difficult or potentially embarrassing
situations. Mr. Siljander expressed appreciation for the
briefing. There are no fol
low-up matters.
Liaison Division
Office of Legislative Liaison
Chief, Liaison Division
Distribution:
Orig - OLL Record
1 - OLL Chrono
2 - Liaison
OLL/LD)
(12 Dec 84)
Approved For Release 2008/10/22 : CIA-RDP90B01370R001602000049-0
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Approved For Release 2008/10/22 : CIA-RDP90BO137OR001602000049-0
Approved For Release 2008/10/22 : CIA-RDP90BO137OR001602000049-0