[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 14 (Thursday, February 6, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO THE ASIA OBSERVER ON ITS FIRST ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 6, 1997

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, the month of February 1997 marks the 1-year 
anniversary of the inaugural edition of The Asia Observer. In the 12 
months since the launching of this weekly newspaper, the Asia Observer 
has provided timely and insightful coverage and analysis of the South 
Asia region, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and 
Nepal. In addition to its coverage of overseas news, The Observer also 
provides information on domestic issues and trends affecting the 
immigrant community.
  I value the information provided by The Observer, ranging from 
security issues, to trade and investment to cultural matters. The paper 
has proven itself to be a solid addition to the ever-growing ranks of 
what is often referred to as the ethnic media--a term I use with great 
reluctance because it does not do justice to the truly multicultural 
quality and international outlook of the excellent publications 
addressing issues confronting the Asian-American community. We live in 
an era when relations with Asia are assuming ever-greater importance in 
United States international concerns. Here at home, people who trace 
their ancestry to Asia constitute a growing force in our business, 
professional and cultural life.Yet, I regret to see that there has 
recently been unfair scrutiny directed at Asian-Americans, while people 
of Asian descent continue to grapple with discrimination and 
mistreatment. Thus, while the Asia Observer is targeted primarily for a 
South Asian-American readership, I hope that the larger American 
community will make a better effort to understand this important part 
of the world--and to get to know the people of South-Asian descent who 
are making such a positive contribution to our Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, as a nation of immigrants, we should value the 
contributions of people who come to America seeking a better life for 
themselves and their families, who come into our country legally, who 
work hard and play by the rules. As the founder and cochairman of the 
bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, I 
believe we should devote more attention to improving and expanding 
relations between the world's two largest democracies, India and the 
untied States, and redouble our efforts to represent the needs and 
concerns of the more than 1 million Americans of Indian descent.
  Last year, when the Asia Observer published its first issue, I joined 
with other elected leaders--including Members of this Body--in 
extending my congratulations and well wishes. I am delighted to be 
doing the same on the newspaper's first anniversary. I wish to express 
my appreciation for Mr. Surinder Zutshi and his talented, hard-working 
staff, and urge them to keep up the good work. I look forward to 
reading the Asia Observer for many years to come.

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