[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 26 (Thursday, March 9, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1388-S1389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE 44TH ANNIVERSARY OF TUNISIAN INDEPENDENCE

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today in celebration of the 
44th anniversary of Tunisian independence. On March 20, Tunisia--one of 
America's oldest allies--will mark its 44th year of independence, but 
our two nations have been sharing the ideals of freedom and democracy 
for a much longer time.
  In 1797, our two nations signed a treaty calling for ``perpetual and 
constant peace.'' Indeed, for the past 200 years, our two nations have 
enjoyed such a friendship. Whether protecting Mediterranean shipping 
lanes against Barbary pirates, opposing the Nazi war machine in North 
Africa, or supporting Western interests during the Cold War, the U.S. 
could count on Tunisia. More recently, Tunisia displayed great courage 
in urging other Arab nations to seek an accord with Israel. Tunisia has 
built on that pioneering stand by playing an important role as an 
honest and fair broker at delicate points in the Middle East peace 
process.
  By adopting progressive social policies that feature tolerance for 
minorities, equal rights for women, universal education, a modern 
health system, and avoiding the pitfall of religious extremism that has 
tormented so many other developing countries, Tunisia has built a 
stable, middle-class society. In stark contrast to its two neighbors 
(Algeria, which has been racked by civil

[[Page S1389]]

war and persecution for many years, and Libya, whose dictator has 
supported the most nefarious and subversive kinds of terrorism), 
Tunisia has been a quiet and wonderful success. In fact, Tunisia became 
the first nation south of the Mediterranean to formally associate 
itself with the European Union.
  Mr. President, Tunisia has been a model for developing countries. It 
has sustained remarkable economic growth, and undertaken reforms toward 
political pluralism. It has been a steadfast ally of the United States 
and has consistently fought for democratic goals and ideals. Tunisia 
has responded to President Dwight D. Eisenhower's request to consider 
the U.S. as ``friends and partner'' in the most effective way--by its 
actions.
  In commemoration of 44 years of independence for Tunisia, I urge my 
colleagues to reflect on our strong commitment to Tunisian people, who 
are still our friends and partners in North Africa.

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