[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 24, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF RUSSIAN CHESS CHAMPION GARRY KASPAROV

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHRISTOPHER COX

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 24, 2005

  Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, I wish to take a moment to honor the world's 
greatest chess player, Garry Kasparov, on the occasion of his 
retirement.
  To chess enthusiasts around the world, Garry Kasparov's announced 
retirement from professional chess comes as an enormous disappointment. 
By the standards of international chess he is the greatest chess player 
of all time. His retirement at the relatively youthful age of 41 raises 
questions about unfulfilled possibilities. But given his legendary 
achievements, we can only stand in profound admiration. He is a true 
champion.
  Throughout his career, Garry Kasparov has been a champion of human 
rights as well. He has been resolutely committed to the freedom of 
Russia and all of her citizens, and to the replacement of the grisly 
legacy of Soviet communism with genuine democracy, free speech, freedom 
of the press, religious liberty, and the rule of law. As chairman of 
Committee 2008: Free Choice, Mr. Kasparov is leading a natural 
coalition of concerned Russians dedicated to safeguarding democratic 
institutions in that country. It is a task worthy of his considerable 
ability.
  Mr. Speaker, for over a decade I have had the privilege of calling 
Garry Kasparov a good friend. I know that everyone in this chamber 
shares with me their good wishes for his continued success, of 
gratitude for all that he has given of himself and to make the world a 
better place.

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