[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 20, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2419-S2420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            THE REPUBLIC OF TUNISIA'S 40TH INDEPENDENCE DAY

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge the 40th 
anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Tunisia. Since 
gaining independence from France on March 20, 1956, Tunisians have been 
dedicated to pursuing a path of progress.
  Although this small North African country has limited natural 
resources, it has shown great initiative by successfully devoting a 
majority of its assets to promoting its people and developing its 
economy, stressing education as the key to its future. The private 
sector has contributed greatly to the economy and, as a result, 
Tunisians have created a diversified, market-oriented economy. While 
the United States has assisted the Tunisian economy through focused 
development programs, Tunisia has been able to advance beyond our 
assistance and is quickly approaching an era of economic partnership 
with us.
  The friendship between the United States and Tunisia dates back 
almost 200 years when our two countries signed a friendship treaty. 
Since that time, we have had an outstanding relationship marked by 
respect, cooperation, and a mutual commitment to freedom and democracy. 
We have a strong military alliance, routinely engaging in regular joint 
exercises and program exchanges. Strictly defensive in nature, the 
Tunisian military force is among the best trained and most professional 
in the Arab world. Like the United States, Tunisia is dedicated to the 
peaceful resolution of conflicts and has participated in many 
peacekeeping operations around the world.
  Despite the volatile situation in North Africa, Tunisia has played a 
key role in preserving stability and peace. Further, they have been at 
the forefront of the struggle against terrorism, intolerance, and blind 
violence. They have appealed to the world community through various 
organizations, including the United Nations, to adopt strict measures 
in order to combat terrorism and extremism.
  In addition, Tunisia has played a significant role and is a key 
supporter in securing peace in the Middle East. They were the first 
Arab State to host a multilateral meeting of the peace

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process and to welcome an official Israeli delegation in Tunis, thus 
promoting a dialog between Arabs and Israelis. Since that initial 
meeting, they have hosted two other events and are scheduled to host 
others. As a result of their efforts, in January of this year, Tunisia 
and Israel agreed to establish formal diplomatic relations.
  Earlier this week, Tunis served as the host city for the Joint 
Military Commission meeting, further demonstrating their dedication to 
peace in the Middle East and reinforcing the cooperation between the 
United States and Tunisia.
  Mr. President, I would like to congratulate our friends in Tunisia on 
successfully achieving this milestone and commend them for their 
peacekeeping efforts.

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