[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 10, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          POLAND'S REFERENDUM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 2003

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of more than 111,000 constituents 
of Polish descent, I rise to congratulate the Republic of Poland for 
its historic and overwhelming vote yesterday in favor of joining the 
European Union next May.
  For centuries Polish greats like Copernicus, Frederick Chopin, and 
Madame Curie have contributed significant economic, cultural and social 
diversity to Europe. As the first nation to have a written constitution 
in Europe, Poland is a shining example of democracy triumphing over 
four decades of communist rule. Its modernization is described most 
meaningfully by its current President, Aleksander Kwasniewski, stated, 
``The transformation in Poland launched after the historic breakthrough 
in 1989 consists not only in reform of the economy but also in opening 
up to the world. Openness is the historical tradition of Poland . . . 
We are thinking not only of the benefits we will gain from accession to 
the European Union. We are also aware of the obligations incumbent upon 
us from our role in the unification of the continent.''
  That 78 percent of Poland's population voted for unification is a 
giant step toward advancing democratic progress and prosperity to its 
38 million people. Its integration into the EU assures that it can 
assume a strong leadership role in promoting important ethnic, social 
and cultural diversity to the global community. In exchange, Poland 
will benefit economically and politically from the standards and 
examples set by the other modern EU democracies.
  Mr. Speaker, Poland's accomplishments over the past 14 years since 
communism fell shows great promise for continued openness and 
solidarity in the years ahead. The United States should recognize 
Poland's tremendous achievement in clearing the way for EU membership. 
We should also express continued gratitude for its contributions to the 
global war against terror and its 200 troops during Operation Iraqi 
Freedom. We deeply value our friendship and commitment to strong 
security, diplomatic and economic ties with Poland and will continue to 
express our hope that the anticipated ratification of EU membership by 
May of 2004 remains on schedule.

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