[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 22 (Thursday, February 26, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE PRESIDENT OF TUNISIA'S RECENT VISIT TO WASHINGTON, DC

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                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 2004

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the recent 
visit to Washington, DC by the President of the Republic of Tunisia, 
His Excellency Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. President Ben Ali met with 
President Bush on Wednesday, February 18, 2004. During the meeting 
President Bush praised the social progress in Tunisia and welcomed its 
leader as a partner in the fight against terrorism.
  The United States and Tunisia have maintained a strong relationship 
throughout both our histories. Tunisia has been a crucial partner in 
the Mediterranean region through first the Cold War and, more recently, 
in our current efforts to fight terrorism. Our relationship has grown 
even stronger in the last few years. In December 2003, Tunis was chosen 
as the regional center for the Middle East Partnership Initiative, a 
Near Eastern affairs program to promote democracy and political reform 
in the region. This is a welcome development because Tunisia plays a 
crucial role in stabilizing Middle East politics.
  President Bush rightly praised the government in Tunisia for working 
with the United States in fighting terrorism, for a ``modern and 
viable'' education system and for giving equal rights to women. Tunisia 
can help the Middle East achieve greater reform and freedom, something 
that is necessary for peace for the long term.
  As a friend of Tunisia, I again commemorate the recent visit by His 
Excellency President Ben Ali. This meeting was an opportunity to 
highlight the longstanding relations between our two countries and the 
friendship shared by our two peoples. It was also an occasion to 
strengthen our joint efforts on the international scene for the causes 
of peace, security, human dignity and development.

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