[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 45 (Thursday, March 20, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S4160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      COMMEMORATING THE 47TH ANNIVERSARY OF TUNISIA'S INDEPENDENCE

  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, today, Tunisia commemorates the 47th 
anniversary of its independence from France. Our two countries share a 
long friendship that began in 1797, when Tunisia was one of the first 
countries to sign a Treaty of Peace and Friendship with the United 
States. In 1956, when Tunisia gained independence from France, the 
United States was one of the first countries to recognize Tunisia's 
independence. This long relationship has served as the backdrop for our 
increased cooperation in the efforts to combat international terrorism. 
Our shared commitments to peace, security, and stability in the world 
will remain the most important principles guiding our relationship 
throughout the 21st century.
  I am pleased by Tunisia's commitment to further strengthen the 
democratic values that our two countries share as the foundation for 
free and open societies, and I am confident its leaders will continue 
to work toward promoting greater political freedom and respect for 
human rights throughout the region.
  I wish the Tunisian people the best as they celebrate their country's 
successful transition from colony to republic. I look forward to many 
more years of cooperation and friendship between the United States and 
Tunisia.

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