[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 32 (Friday, March 20, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S2370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             THE 42ND ANNIVERSARY OF TUNISIA'S INDEPENDENCE

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, today Tunisia celebrates the 42nd 
Anniversary of its Independence from France. I would like to take this 
opportunity to congratulate them for their many successful endeavors of 
the past 42 years.
  Last year, Tunisia and the U.S. celebrated the bicentennial of the 
``Treaty of Peace and Friendship.'' This celebration marked the longest 
unbroken friendship treaty in the history of the two countries. 
Throughout our long relationship the United States and Tunisia have 
experienced cooperation based on respect and our mutual commitment to 
freedom, democracy, and the peaceful resolution of conflict.
  Despite its location in a very volatile area of the world, Tunisia 
has been a leader in promoting stability and peace in Africa and the 
Middle East. It has been a voice of moderation in the Arab-Israeli 
peace process promoting dialogue and improved relations. It was the 
first Arab State to host an Israeli delegation and to hold a 
multilateral meeting of the peace process. In 1996, Tunisia and Israel 
opened interest sections in each country and established full 
diplomatic relations.
  Tunisia also has made impressive economic strides. It has 
successfully graduated from development assistance to become a self-
sufficient nation. The people of Tunisia enjoy the highest standard of 
living in the region. These improvements have come about through the 
devotion of vital resources to the promotion of its people, education, 
and economic reform.
  In the past 12 years, the government has focused its economic 
development on privatizing many of the state-owned companies and 
reforming the financial and banking systems. As a result, Tunisians 
have developed a diverse and market oriented economy where they have 
experienced not only domestic success but increased international 
standing. Tunisia is a member of the World Trade Organization and 
enjoys duty-free access to the European Union and most Arab countries.
  Tunisia has been a friend and ally to the United States for many 
years. I look forward to continued cooperation and friendship in the 
years to come. As Tunisia celebrates its 42nd anniversary of 
independence, I offer my sincere congratulations on their many 
successful accomplishments.

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