[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 60 (Tuesday, May 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     COMMENTING ON THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 2004

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, just 200 miles off the coast of 
Florida lies the island of Hispaniola, an island that contains two 
politically diverse countries, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. While 
Haiti is slowly emerging from civil unrest and developing democratic 
institutions, their Dominican neighbors will once again exercise their 
right to elect their nation's next President on May 16th. Since 1966, a 
little less than 4 decades, the Dominican Republic has elected its 
President in free and fair elections, and 2004 will likely be no 
different.
  Particularly in light of recent events in neighboring Haiti, it is 
important for us to recognize this notable moment of democracy in the 
Dominican Republic. I believe it is essential that we applaud these 
worthy developments in the Dominican Republic as a noble example for 
other Caribbean and Latin American nations of the power and strength of 
democracy.
  Relations between Washington and Santo Domingo are strong, and the 
Dominican Republic is an important ally in the global war on terror. 
Indeed, they have been a partner in the war against Saddam Hussein's 
despotic and terrorist regime and the Dominican Republic has also been 
a committed ally in the war against illegal drugs. Dominican officials 
have provided invaluable assistance to our immigration officials and 
have worked closely with our law enforcement agents to cut off the flow 
of illegal narcotics to our shores.
  The Dominican Republic's democratic elections will impact the future 
of the island of Hispaniola, the greater Caribbean, Americans of 
Dominican descent, and the foreign policy of the United States. I 
sincerely hope that the Dominican Republic, its current government and 
the respective presidential candidates will continue to demonstrate 
their commitment to democratic stability, and the transparency of the 
electoral process.
  Once again, Mr. Speaker, I salute the Dominican people for their 
willingness and passion to support and promote a free and fair 
democratic process in their country, and for sharing our common ideals 
of liberty and the rule of law.

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