[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 37 (Thursday, March 20, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASIA OBSERVER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 1997

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to the 
publisher and hard-working staff of the Asia Observer on their 1-year 
anniversary of outstanding service to the South Asian community. It is 
an honor to join other elected officials and organizations in lauding 
the achievements of a weekly publication recognized worldwide for its 
excellent news coverage and analysis on events and issues affecting the 
South Asia and South Asians.
  In its first full year, the Asia Observer has distinguished itself as 
a valuable source of information on South Asia affairs. Additionally, 
it has helped bridge the gap of understanding among the growing Asian-
American population in our great Nation. Since its inaugural edition 1 
year ago, the Asia Observer has gained the respect and praise of many, 
including several of my esteemed colleagues in Congress, prominent 
business owners, professionals, and community leaders. With weekly 
coverage of socially, politically, and economically significant topics, 
the Asia Observer has become what many other ethnic news publications 
can only hope to become, a credible source of information in the United 
States and throughout the international community.
  As the dawning of the next millennium approaches, all regions of the 
world are shifting ever closer toward globalization. The role of news 
sources like the Asia Observer will assume a greater importance in the 
affairs of the United States and our neighbors both home and abroad. It 
is through the efforts of news journals such as the Asia Observer that 
our lines of communication with other countries in the South Asia 
region, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan 
continue to expand and grow. In just 1 year, this publication has 
managed to strengthen the sense of cooperation in this important region 
of the world by providing a useful vehicle for the exchange of 
information and ideas.
  I ask that my colleagues join me today in acknowledging the 
contributions of the Asia Observer, a publication that has provided a 
welcome voice to the Asian-American community in issues of 
international and domestic importance. I firmly believe that by keeping 
people in touch with the issues that affect their daily lives, the Asia 
Observer will contribute to the growth of the South Asian region for 
many years to come. For this reason, I commend Mr. Surinder Zutshi and 
his entire staff for their efforts in providing the world a window 
through which it can observe the achievements of the Asian community.

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