[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 22, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S1590]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               44TH ANNIVERSARY OF TUNISIA'S INDEPENDENCE

 Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of 
Tunisia, an old and devout friend and ally to the United States. March 
20, 2000 marked Tunisia's 44th anniversary of Independence.
  In 1797, Tunisia and the newly independent United States signed a 
``treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation.'' The pact provided for 
``perpetual and constant peace'' between the parties. For more than 200 
years, our two nations have enjoyed such a relationship. During World 
War II, Tunisia suppressed nationalistic sentiment to join the ranks of 
the Allied Forces and then supported western democratic ideals during 
the Cold War proving the U.S. could count on Tunisia. If all our 
foreign relationships were as faithfully observed as this one, our 
foreign relations would be more serene.
  In the face of the ever-present strife that surrounds Tunisia, with 
its location between Algeria and Libya, the country has managed to 
maintain internal stability. With its steadily increasing economic 
growth, Tunisia has built a stable middle class society. This growth 
has allowed Tunisia to become a strategic partner in the growing 
African market.
  The United States has benefitted greatly from its strong and 
prosperous relationship with Tunisia. We can not forget our friend in 
Africa who has stood by our side throughout our country's 
history.




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