[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 133 (Thursday, September 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1898]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       100 YEARS OF UNITED STATES-BULGARIAN DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

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                           HON. DOUG BEREUTER

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 2003

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, last Thursday while Washington was 
consumed with the arrival of hurricane Isabel, a significant 
celebration was taking place in Sofia, Bulgaria.
  On September 18, the United States and Bulgaria marked the 100th 
anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries.
  Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Bulgaria has worked hard to build 
a stable democracy and to provide its people the very freedoms we have 
for so long taken for granted in this country. The people of Bulgaria 
should be proud of what they have accomplished over this past 13 years.
  Bulgaria has also worked to reaffirm and strengthen its friendship 
with the United States. Bulgaria has worked with us to promoted 
stability and peace in the Balkans by providing peacekeeping forces in 
Bosnia and Kosovo.
  After the tragedy of September 11, 2001, Bulgaria was among the very 
first countries to denounce terrorism and pledge active support to the 
United States in the fight against global terrorism. Bulgaria supported 
Operation Enduring Freedom and the International Security Assistance 
Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan and is presently providing 500 infantry 
soldiers to the Iraq stabilization force.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, on the occasion of this 100th anniversary of 
United States-Bulgarian diplomatic relations, it is appropriate to 
reflect on this important relationship and to dedicate ourselves to 
promoting good relations for the next 100 years.

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