[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 46TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TUNISIA'S NATIONAL 
                          DAY OF INDEPENDENCE

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                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2002

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Republic of 
Tunisia and its people on the 46th anniversary of their National Day of 
Independence. Over the last 46 years, Tunisia has been an outstanding 
model for developing countries. It has risen from a fledgling democracy 
to a nation that is at the forefront of instituting an aggressive North 
African free market economy.
  The United States and Tunisia have maintained a strong relationship 
throughout Tunisia's history. During the Cold War, Tunisia was a 
crucial partner in the Mediterranean Sea. In our struggle against 
terrorism, dating back to the early 1990s, Tunisia has been a steadfast 
ally. As early as 1993, Tunisia condemned forms of Islamic extremism 
and terrorism. In 1994, Tunisia warned the West of terrorism's evils 
and spoke of the need to fight terrorism on a global level.
  Tunisia's unwavering opposition to terrorism has been no more evident 
than in its response to the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11, 
2001. Immediately following the attacks, Tunisia's President, Zine El 
Abidine Bel Ali, offered his country's heartfelt condolences to the 
American people and strongly condemned the attacks and those behind 
them. President Ben Ali also offered his country's steadfast support 
for our efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
  As a friend of Tunisia, I again congratulate the Tunisian people on 
46 years of independence and would like to share with my colleagues the 
insightful words of President Ben Ali, describing the reasons for 
Tunisia's success in building a democratic society:
  ``Tolerance is at the heart of our social traditions as well as a 
characteristic of Tunisia's history. Pluralism, whether religious, 
cultural, or political, is ingrained in our society. Tunisian Moslem 
and Jews have lived together under the same sky and same state for many 
centuries. Each contributed to the building of [Tunisia], whose 
greatness is based on the tolerance of its people--a tolerance which 
has been among the highest values governing relations between the two 
parties, as there was no room for hatred.''

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