[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 45 (Thursday, March 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E543]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                47TH ANNIVERSARY OF REPUBLIC OF TUNISIA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 2003

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the Republic of 
Tunisia's 47th Anniversary on March 20, 2003. I invite my colleagues to 
join in extending our congratulations to the leaders and people of this 
important ally.
  While Tunisia is celebrating 47 years of independence, our 
relationship with this country has roots much older. As early as 1797, 
The United States first signed a treaty of peace and friendship with 
Tunisia. This first step was a portentous omen for the future.
  Throughout Tunisia's brief history they have been a staunch ally to 
the United States and democracy at large. Whether it be their 
willingness to support the United States in World War II by suspending 
their own struggle with the French to lend aid to the allied cause, or 
their unwavering commitment to seeing terrorism vanquished through 
their membership in the U.S. led coalition against terror, it becomes 
evident that Tunisia's dedication to freedom and democracy is held in 
the highest regard by its people.
  Not only is Tunisia a defender of democracy outside its borders, but 
within as well. Few are the nations that can boast of a more 
progressive attitude towards women's rights, enshrined in law, as early 
as 1956, The Code of Personal Status established a new organization of 
family based on equal rights through a series of provisions including 
the abolition of polygamy, and setting the minimum age of marriage at 
17. In 1993, amendments were adopted that went still further, 
guaranteeing alimony for divorced women and their children. Mothers 
were also given the explicit right to partake in the management of 
their children's affairs whether married or not.
  Tunisia is also a country that values its heritage and culture. It is 
a proponent of the arts and its distinct, diverse culture. The 
government of this culturally rich country has passed laws that allow 
texts and musical instruments bound for cultural purposes to be 
imported tax free to stimulate interest and growth in this important 
sector of society. Tax breaks have also been levied towards investment 
in monuments from antiquity that might otherwise fall into ruin.
  Tunisia is a country that has overcome many obstacles. From foreign 
powers to economic reform Tunisia has never shied from change while 
also preserving its unique and rich heritage. For this reason, and many 
others, I invite my colleagues to join in congratulating all Tunisians 
as they celebrate the 47th anniversary of their nation's independence.