aug 1, 1975 - Helsinki Accords
Description:
-Helsinki Final Act of CSCE (Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe)
-3 categories ("baskets"): security in Europe + acceptance of post-war borders; cooperation in science, technology & environmental issues; human rights
-human rights section was main issue: USSR imposed high exit tax on emigrants (mainly targeted Jews - antisemitism)
-Trade Reform Act: USA proposed clause saying nations with exit tax couldn't get credit (made USSR exit tax a high-profile issue - Kissinger opposed) --> USSR withdrew from trade agreement
-USSR officially had to follow human rights regulations, but no real change
-Soviet (Brezhnev) aims: confirm legitimacy of Soviet sphere in Eastern Europe (borders - concessions to get them recognised by USA + NATO), & focus on how diplomacy/détente would affect internal affairs
Added to timeline:
IB History: Détente + Rapprochement (Cold War)
Date:
