[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E11]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             COMMENDING THE PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT OF KENYA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 2003

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my 
total support for the people and the newly elected government of Kenya. 
The hard work and perseverance on the part of the people of Kenya is 
commendable, as they march along the difficult road of peace and 
democracy. In much of the developing world, we have witnessed, time and 
again, countries whose efforts have fallen short of that needed to 
fully implement a democratic tradition.
  The determined Kenyan voters ignored unseasonably heavy rains and 
provided a solid mandate to the new president, the parliament, and 
local councilors throughout the country. It is refreshing to see the 
change of government at the ballot box of free and fair elections and 
not at the end of rifles. Local and international observers who 
witnessed the election of President Mwai Kibaki described it as the 
fairest in Kenya's 39-year history. I urge this body to support and 
commend the Kenyans for the positive measures they have taken to 
establish a solid democratic foundation.
  This body, the House of Representatives, along with the Senate and 
the executive branch should provide assistance to this country as it 
continues to build its economy and political institutions.

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