[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 116 (Wednesday, August 17, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 17, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
       HONORING ALFREDO CRISTIANI, EL SALVADOR'S FORMER PRESIDENT

  (Mr. BALLENGER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BALLENGER. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor El Salvador's former 
President, Alfredo Cristiani.
  As an active participant in the democratic efforts of many Latin 
American nations, I had the unique opportunity to meet and forge a 
great friendship with one important political figure, Mr. Alfredo 
Cristiani.
  As we witnessed, El Salvador's 12-year civil war left the country in 
shambles. However, it was the strong leadership and guidance coupled 
with the courage demonstrated by Mr. Cristiani that rescued the 
country. The political, economic, and social progress that has taken 
place in El Salvador over the last 5 years is tremendous. Mr. Cristiani 
instituted land reform, electoral reform, and fostered free-market 
enterprise. But, it was the remarkable reconciliation between military 
and political rivals through the Mexico Peace Accords that brought 
harmony to El Salvador. Even in the midst of threats on his life, Mr. 
Cristiani helped to bring peace to a war-torn country.
  Mr. Cristiani ended his term of office on June 1, 1994, with a 
peaceful transition of power. Although he will be missed, he will not 
be forgotten. His achievements are a part of history. Please do not let 
this man's endeavors to restore democracy to El Salvador go unnoticed. 
Join me and Representative Lee Hamilton in cosponsoring legislation 
commemorating Alfredo Cristiani and honoring his role in rebuilding El 
Salvador.

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