[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 34 (Thursday, March 16, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E404]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF FIFTY YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE FOR THE TUNISIAN REPUBLIC 
                      AND U.S.-TUNISIAN RELATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 2006

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
people of the Tunisian Republic and extend my congratulations to 
President Ben Ali as his nation celebrates fifty years of independence 
on March 20, 2006.
  The United States and Tunisia have a strong relationship that 
promotes cooperation on important bilateral and regional issues. The 
engagement between our two countries on economic, security and cultural 
matters is vibrant and reflects a commitment to enhancing and 
strengthening our bilateral relationship for the future. In this 
regard, both our nations should have more desire than ever before to 
strengthen our ties and build even stronger bridges between our 
countries. The strength of our friendship also allows our two nations 
to openly discuss issues in which common perspectives are not shared. 
In this regard we must continue to work together to find common ground 
that reflects the respective values and hopes of the American and 
Tunisian people.
  Tunisia has a critically important stabilizing role in both Africa 
and the Middle East. We should clearly recognize Tunisia as a 
diplomatic and political force for moderation and shared security in 
the Maghreb region. I thank the Tunisian government for its cooperation 
with the United States in combating terrorism and for its commitment to 
continue this positive partnership. At a time when extremists in 
various parts of the world are promoting violence and intolerance, 
Tunisia's moderate role is vital to promoting security, as well as 
peace.
  One area of great interest to me is the status of women and girls 
around the world. Over the past fifty years, Tunisia has been an 
example of a nation willing to raise the status of women by promoting 
opportunities for women and girls to achieve their potential and 
contribute their skills to society. Today, schools and universities are 
filled with girls and women preparing themselves to help lead Tunisia 
into the future. This, for me, is a very exciting prospect indeed.
  Mr. Speaker, let us extend our warmest regards to the people of 
Tunisia, officials of the Tunisian Republic and President Ben Ali on 
their celebration of fifty years of independence. Their friendship and 
decades of cooperation with the people of the United States is truly 
valuable and a relationship that I intend to work to both maintain as 
well as strengthen.

                          ____________________