[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 6, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S1551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRATULATIONS TO PRESIDENT SOARES UPON HIS RETIREMENT

  Mr. PELL. Mr. President, as President Soares, one of Portugal's 
greatest modern leaders, prepares to retire, I would like to offer my 
personal congratulations. President Soares is a good friend who has my 
admiration for all he has done to make Portugal a vibrant and 
democratic part of Europe. During the dark days of Portugal's 
authoritarian regime, President Soares demonstrated an enormous amount 
of courage. He was an active opponent of that rule--and for that he 
paid dearly. I particularly remember that when those dark days ended in 
1974, President Soares returned to Portugal to help lead the new 
government. I followed his career closely in the ensuing years--when he 
served as foreign minister twice and prime minister three times before 
becoming President in 1986. I have deep regard for President Soares' 
leadership in the 1980's in preparing Portugal for entry into the 
European Community, and in more recent years, in ensuring that Portugal 
remains firmly planted in the European Union and NATO.
  I have a huge respect for Portugal and her people, and have been 
fortunate to work with President Soares over the years. My State of 
Rhode Island has a large and vibrant Portuguese community.
  Portugal is an important ally. Our two countries share a commitment 
to democracy, freedom, and peace--values which are important not only 
as we confront a changing Europe--but as we approach challenges in the 
Middle East and Africa. Portugal is a great friend of the United 
States, and it is in the spirit of this friendship that I pay tribute 
to President Soares, and wish him well in his retirement.

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