[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 27, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTERNATIONAL REPUBLICAN INSTITUTE

 Mr. HAGEL. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the 
International Republican Institute on the 20th anniversary of its 
founding. As an IRI Board member since 1999, I have witnessed IRI's 
tremendous success in helping build democracy across the globe.
  The International Republican Institute was founded in response to a 
1982 speech by President Ronald Reagan, in which he called for a broad 
commitment to helping developing countries build democratic 
institutions. IRI began its work in Latin America. When the cold war 
ended, IRI expanded its programs to the states of the former Soviet 
Union.
  Through its work today in more than 50 countries, IRI reinforces the 
American belief that all people can achieve freedom through the 
development of democratic political parties, good governance, and 
transparent election processes. IRI's success in teaching those in 
emerging democracies to build and manage democratic institutions does 
not stop at these countries' borders. Volunteers from Romania, Serbia, 
and other countries where IRI has worked are now helping to build a 
civil society in Iraq.
  IRI also provides citizens from across the U.S. the opportunity to 
volunteer their skills to assist countries undergoing democratic 
transition. IRI volunteers teach others how to run political campaigns, 
increase the participation of women and youth, monitor elections, 
deliver government services, and communicate effectively with the 
public.
  I congratulate and thank the International Republican Institute for 
its commitment to helping strengthen democracy around the 
world.

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