Since 1992, the Clinton Administration has taken an active role in supporting and promoting the growth of civil society and democratic institutions within Russia. Engaging Russia has enhanced not only our own security, but the security of nations worldwide. U.S. programs have been responsible for the deactivation of over 1,500 nuclear warheads and the destruction of 300 missiles. We have helped in the complete denuclearization of Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus. With our assistance, Russia has also advanced substantially in the area of human rights and the promotion of basic freedoms, such as the right to a free press, unrestricted travel and freedom of religion.
Elections are now routine.
We have been instrumental in the drafting of a new civil code and criminal code, as well as legislation designed to promote further transparency in Russian capital markets. U.S. officials have worked with Russians to enact policies and programs designed to fight money laundering and corruption at all levels. U.S.-Russia policy framed during the Clinton Administration represents the first systemic effort to stop corruption at the grassroots and government levels. That said, there remains little question that Russia's transition to democracy has been a rocky one. This is no time for us to throw up our hands in protest.