[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 150 (Friday, October 29, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2224-E2225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HISTORIC DAY FOR DEMOCRACY IN SAN MIGUEL, EL SALVADOR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 28, 1999

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, in November, Congressman Moakley and I 
will travel to El Salvador at the invitation of the University of 
Central America to attend the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 
the murders of the Jesuit leadership of that school. While this 
horrific event stunned that small nation and the international 
community, the unraveling of that case contributed to a negotiated 
settlement of the 12-year civil war in which over 70,000 Salvadoran 
civilians lost their lives.
  In mid-November, we will visit a new El Salvador. While the problems 
of poverty and reconstruction continue to challenge the people of El 
Salvador, there have been many changes: demobilization of former 
combatants, reform of the courts, greater decentralization of services, 
and competitive elections where former guerrillas now comprise a 
political party able to campaign openly at the national and local 
level.
  While in El Salvador, we will have the opportunity to inaugurate the 
second constituent service office of the National Assembly. On November 
15, 1999, we will visit San Miguel where we will join elected deputies 
from five different political parties from across the political 
spectrum, who will share the resources of this office. With the 
assistance of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the 
establishment of these offices is part of a Salvadoran effort to 
modernize their Legislative Assembly. The constituent office will be 
used by the elected deputies to meet their constituents, provide a 
computer link for constituents to contact their representatives and to 
learn what is happening in the National Assembly.

[[Page E2225]]

  In looking at political transitions throughout the world, we have 
learned that there are times when stopping the fighting is the easy 
part. When you look at the development of democratic institutions--such 
as these constituent service offices--we see historic changes that give 
people a greater say in the decisions that affect their lives. We see 
historic changes that bring greater confidence to the people who vote 
and the people who hold office. Congressman Moakley and I are truly 
honored to be able to participate in that process.

                          ____________________