[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 20, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S2440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       COMMENDING TUNISIA ON ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

 Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
country of Tunisia which will celebrate its 40th anniversary of 
independence on March 20, 1996. I would like to congratulate this 
country, which has made tremendous strides in socio-economic 
development and in furthering the Middle East peace process.
  In the last four decades, Tunisia has played a key role in preserving 
stability and peace in North Africa. Tunisia is also playing a key role 
in the Middle East peace process. It was the first Arab country to host 
a United Nations multilateral meeting in the peace process. Tunisia 
also hosted an official Israeli delegation in Tunis to encourage the 
dialog between Arabs and Israelis. Most recently, in January 1996, 
Tunisia and Israel agreed to establish formal diplomatic relations, and 
interest sections will be opened in Tunis and Tel Aviv by mid-April 
1996.
  Tunisia has been a leader in the struggle against terrorism, 
intolerance, and blind violence. Tunisia appealed to the world 
community, within the framework of the United Nations, the Organization 
of African Unity, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic 
Countries, to adopt strict measures in order to combat terrorism and 
extremism.
  I would also like to commend Tunisia on its social and economic 
achievements. Tunisia has devoted the bulk of its resources to 
improving the quality of life of its people and to the development of 
its economy. Education is a key issue in Tunisia. The Government 
appropriates approximately 30 percent of the annual budget to 
education, social services, housing, and health care. This results in a 
highly skilled labor force. Today, 23 percent of Tunisian job seekers 
are university graduates and 42 percent are vocational training school 
graduates.
  The private sector is playing a key role in the economic development 
of Tunisia, and as a result, Tunisians have created a diversified, 
market-oriented economy. Manufacturing accounts for 21 percent of 
domestic production, agriculture for 15 percent, and tourism for 7 
percent. Domestic growth rates have averaged more than 4 percent per 
year, and the budget deficit has been halved in the last 4 years.
  Tunisia welcomes and encourages foreign investment and has 
preferential access to a number of important regional markets. Tunisia 
is a member of the World Trade Organization. It enjoys duty free access 
for Tunisian products in European Union countries and most Arab 
countries. The United States assisted Tunisian economic growth through 
focused development programs such as the Generalized System of 
Preferences. As a result, Tunisia has proudly graduated from United 
States economic assistance and is now entering an era of economic 
partnership with the United States.
  Tunisia has been a close and reliable ally of the United States and 
has cooperated with the United States in advancing tolerance, openness, 
peace, and stability. The bonds that have been created over the years 
between our two countries have continued to improve. I can only share 
the aspirations of all Tunisians for a prosperous and peaceful future 
on this, the 40th anniversary of independence.

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