[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 21, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E364]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               44TH ANNIVERSARY OF TUNISIAN INDEPENDENCE

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                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 21, 2000

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to take this opportunity to inform my 
colleagues of the 44th anniversary of Tunisia's independence which 
occurred on Monday, March 20, 2000. I invite my colleagues to join in 
extending our congratulations to the leaders and people of this 
important ally. The Republic of Tunisia has been and continues to be a 
model of economic growth, while keeping Islamic fundamentalism at bay. 
Moreover, Tunisia has been at the forefront of normalization with 
Israel as the Middle East peace process progresses.
  Tunisia has taken advantage of foreign aid better than any other 
nation in the world. The World Bank considers Tunisia to be one of its 
premier ``success stories.'' With a per capita income of over $2,000 
(very high for a developing country without significant mineral 
resources), Tunisia boasts that over 60 percent of its population can 
be designated as ``middle class''. The latest bilateral cooperative 
effort is the U.S.-Magreb Economic Partnership, which is designed to 
strengthen our bilateral economic ties. And ever conscious of security 
concerns, our U.S.-Tunisia military relationship has strengthened as 
well.
  Mr. Speaker, the Republic of Tunisia has made very significant 
strides over the years. As Tunisians celebrate this 44th anniversary of 
their nation's independence, we join in celebrating with them and 
honoring Tunisia's many achievements.

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