[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 14 (Thursday, February 6, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     AMBASSADOR SAMUEL G. WISE, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 6, 1997

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, today my colleague Ben Cardin, and I mourn 
the loss of a gentleman known to many of you in this House and in the 
international community. For almost 20 years, Sam Wise guided the work 
of the Helsinki Commission and advanced the cause of human rights 
around the world.
  Ambassador Wise joined the Commission in 1977, the year following its 
creation, and served with distinction until his untimely death last 
month. We had the privilege of working with him for more than a decade, 
and can state without qualification that Sam Wise was the preeminate 
expert on the Helsinki process and an adept facilitator of its guiding 
principles. Ambassador Wise participated in every meeting of the 
Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and its successor, the 
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. His keen 
negotiating skills and calm demeanor earned him the respect and trust 
of the entire OSCE community and substantially enhanced the 
effectiveness of the Commission in the international arena. He was well 
known and liked in virtually every European capital.
  Ambassador Wise brought to the Commission a wealth of experience from 
a distinguished career as a Foreign Service officer. During his years 
with the Commission, that experience and in-depth knowledge of the 
Helsinki process guided our work and advanced U.S. interests. His 
efforts helped to shape the policy and institutions which moved the 
process forward and demanded the world's attention to the plight of 
those struggling against tyranny and oppression. We believe the 
Helsinki process was a driving force in bringing an end to the cold 
war. Ambassador Wise's contribution to that effort is immeasurable.
  Mr. Speaker, the death of Ambassador Sam Wise saddens us all and 
leaves a void in the OSCE and the international human rights community 
that cannot be filled. We extend our deepest sympathies to Mrs. Wise 
and the family. Know that you are in our thoughts and our prayers, and 
know that Sam's life of superb accomplishment and dedication to liberty 
and human dignity is a legacy that will inspire and guide generations 
to come.

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