[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 127 (Tuesday, September 16, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1789-E1790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




ON THE OCCASION OF PRIME MINISTER SABA AL-AHMED AL-SABAH'S VISIT TO THE 
                             UNITED STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2003

  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the occasion of the visit of 
Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah of Kuwait to express my 
gratitude and sincere appreciation to him and his government for their 
steadfast support for the United States-led coalition in Operation 
Iraqi Freedom.
  Since its independence in 1961, Kuwait has maintained close relations 
with the United States. Like the people of Iraq, Kuwait is in a unique 
position to understand the brutality of Saddam Hussein's regime. It was 
invaded by Iraq in August of 1990, and the Kuwaiti people experienced 
firsthand Saddam's brutality throughout the seven months of occupation 
until February of 1991, when coalition forces liberated Kuwait.
  Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Kuwait has been an 
active partner with

[[Page E1790]]

the United States in the global war on terrorism. During Operation 
Iraqi Freedom, Kuwait provided vital assistance to the United States 
and its coalition partners, including access to airports, port 
facilities and bases.
  During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Kuwait was subject to attack by 
twenty ballistic Iraqi missiles. Despite these attacks, Kuwait was 
unwavering in its support of the United States, providing us with 
protection and basing support for our troops. In addition, since the 
end of the major hostilities with the Saddam Hussein regime, Kuwait has 
stepped forward to provide substantial humanitarian assistance to Iraq 
in support of coalition goals.
  I am pleased that Prime Minister Al-Sabah has this opportunity to 
visit. I thank him for his work in building the friendship between our 
two countries.

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