[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 27, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE

  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, tonight we will mark a historic occasion--
the 20th anniversary of the International Republican Institute. I am 
honored to chair the Institute's board of directors, and to have been 
involved for 14 years with an organization that has done so much for so 
many. Its staff of experts, under its leadership in Washington, has for 
two decades fanned out across the globe, bringing the benefits of their 
experience and education to those who hunger for democracy. For 20 
years IRI has worked to advance democracy, promote freedom and self-
government, and support the rule of law and human rights. In doing 
this, IRI embodies the fundamental values on which the American 
political system is based, and which we must encourage around the 
world.
  Why do we spend energy, money, time and expertise to promote freedom 
and democracy abroad? We do it because we know that, as Ronald Reagan 
said in 1982 when he cited the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 
``freedom is not the sole prerogative of a lucky few, but the 
inalienable and universal right of all human beings.'' In America, we 
enjoy the fundamental right to be free. But we also know that we will 
never enjoy our rights in the fullness of security until all of 
humanity is also free.
  The promotion of democracy and fundamental human rights is thus an 
inextricable element of American foreign policy. We use our power not 
simply to enhance our security, but to promote our values--for the good 
of others. For 20 years IRI has monitored elections, trained political 
candidates, promoted government reform, helped organize civil society, 
and increased political participation. Its mission is vital, and IRI 
has performed it with success in over 75 countries.
  Anyone who reads the newspapers can see how critical this mission is 
today. Iraq is the biggest democracy project in a generation, and IRI 
is active on the ground, making a difference on a daily basis. Beyond 
Iraq, there is a growing recognition that the lack of freedom in the 
Greater Middle East offends not only America's national values, but 
also threatens our security. In other regions too--Central Asia, 
Southeast Asia, and others--freedom is lacking. When we confront these 
situations, the diagnosis is easy. The hard part is taking action. IRI 
takes action. Promoting democracy is a huge task--one IRI does 
superbly--and calls will only increase for it to do more.
  I am confident it is up to the job. For 20 years the individuals who 
make up the International Republican Institute have made a positive 
difference in the world. While these are not the type of people to rest 
on their laurels, we should all recognize that these laurels are well 
deserved.

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