[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 165 (Tuesday, October 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2007]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT ARISTIDE

                                 ______


                         HON. EARL F. HILLIARD

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 24, 1995

  Mr. HILLIARD. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate President Aristide 
and the people of Haiti on the first anniversary of the restoration of 
democracy to Haiti. I believe that the role of the United States in the 
restoration of democracy to Haiti represents a high point in the United 
States foreign policy with respect to the Caribbean and Africa.
  Further, I wish to commend President Aristide on his promise to 
adhere strictly to the Haitian Constitution by leaving office in 1996. 
He has put himself above politics by not supporting efforts to ignore 
or amend the Constitution to enable himself to run again for the 
Presidency. Rather, he has put in the apparatus, so that his successor 
can continue the democratic process he has begun.
  During the last year, President Aristide has worked relentlessly to 
move his country forward by reviving organizations destroyed during the 
years of corrupt military rule--organizations which are essential to 
the survival of democracy. In addition, President Aristide has made 
marked improvements in human rights.
  As an enthusiastic supporter of democracy in Haiti, I wish the 
Haitian people continued success in their struggle to create a 
democracy that will withstand any efforts of individuals with 
aspirations to return Haiti to a totalitarian government. My Haitian 
friends, do not let anyone turn you around. Best wishes to you for a 
long, democratic life.

                          ____________________