[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 18, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1108-E1109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        AMERICA'S FRIENDS IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC, H. CON. RES. 189

                                 ______


                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 18, 1996

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing House Concurrent 
Resolution 189, a resolution expressing the sense of the Congress 
regarding the importance of U.S. States membership in regional South 
Pacific organizations.
  In the postcolonial era, regional cooperation has become one of the 
key elements in the development of the South Pacific. While the 
programs that the South Pacific Commission, the South Pacific Regional 
Environment Program, and other regional organizations undertake are 
small in scale, the impact on regional stability is critical. In short, 
the small investment is for a high return.
  Nations in the South Pacific share our values and a commitment to the 
democratic process. Their support has been important to the

[[Page E1109]]

United States in the United Nations and other international fora. 
However, we must not continue to take it for granted.
  In the post-cold-war era we need to ensure that we remain engaged in 
this key strategic region on the doorstep of Asia. In order to do this 
we must continue to support the work of regional organizations such as 
the South Pacific Commission, the South Pacific Regional Environment 
Program, and the South Pacific Forum.
  I am pleased to learn that the administration has recently paid the 
U.S. contribution for this year to the South Pacific Commission. It is 
important that we maintain our commitment to this key regional 
organization.
  Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to support the resolution and 
request that the full text of House Concurrent Resolution 189 be 
printed at this point in the Record.

                            H. Con. Res 189

       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That the Congress--
       (1) recognizes the traditional and close ties between the 
     United States and the South Pacific region and reaffirms the 
     value of these ties;
       (2) notes the need to continue to support the efforts of 
     the countries of the region to enhance the sustainable 
     development of the more fragile island economies and their 
     integration into the regional economy, while helping to 
     ensure the protection of the unique ecosystems of the region;
       (3) commends the South Pacific Commission for the process 
     of managerial and organizational reform currently being 
     undertaken, and recognizes the important role the United 
     States financial contribution to, and participation in, the 
     organization makes in assisting it to realize the gradual 
     economic self-sufficiency to all members of the organization; 
     and
       (4) reaffirms the commitment of the United States as a 
     member of the South Pacific Commission and the South Pacific 
     Regional Environment Programme, and the post-forum dialogue 
     partnership of the United States with the South Pacific 
     Forum.

                          ____________________