[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 31, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1969-E1970]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ROBERT WEXLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 31, 2001

  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my sincere 
congratulation to the people and Government of the Republic of Turkey 
as they celebrate the seventy-eighth anniversary of the founding of 
their nation by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on October 29th. This celebration 
is an important opportunity to highlight the

[[Page E1970]]

incredible accomplishments of one of the world's most dynamic nations. 
I know I speak for many Members of Congress and the American people in 
extending our wishes for the continued strength and success of the 
Republic of Turkey.
  Over the past seventy-eight years, Turkey has emerged as the secular 
and modern democracy that Kemal Ataturk envisioned in 1923. Turkey has 
proven that democracy and Islam are compatible concepts and that 
freedom and tolerance are universal ideals that should be embraced by 
all peace-loving nations. As Turkish President Sezer said in a speech 
commemorating the foundation of the Republic of Turkey on Sunday, ``The 
Republic which was founded as a result of Great Leader Mustafa Kemal 
Ataturk's foresight after our nation won its War of Independence is an 
idea of enlightenment and modernization.''
  As America faces her toughest test both domestically and 
internationally since World War II, it is reassuring to know that we 
have the unconditional and unequivocal support of the Republic of 
Turkey in our counter-terrorism efforts. Turkey's support and sympathy 
for the American people following the September 11th attacks are 
testament to the strength of our nations relations and our common 
commitment to democracy and freedom. As Turkey celebrates her national 
day, it is important for the United States to recommit to strengthening 
our strategic partnership with our NATO ally.
  As Co-Chairman of the Caucus on U.S. Turkish Relations and Turkish 
Americans, I believe that we would be remiss if we did not mention the 
significant contributions of the Turkish American community to our 
nation. This growing and increasingly important American community has 
enjoyed unparallel success at every level of American society and in 
every profession. As American ambassadors of Turkish culture and 
history, they are without a doubt the Republic of Turkey's greatest 
asset in the United States and have enriched America.
  Mr. Speaker, as the people of the Republic of Turkey celebrate their 
nation's seventy-eighth anniversity, I know that they will continue to 
build on the political, economic, and cultural success envisioned by 
one of the twentieth century's greatest leaders, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. 
Again, I congratulate the government and people of the Republic of 
Turkey as they celebrate the founding of their nation.

                          ____________________