[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E537]]


                     IN HONOR OF STEPHEN J. SOLARZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 14, 2007

  Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, next week, one of our most respected 
former colleagues, Stephen J. Solarz, will receive the President's 
Award from the International Crisis Group for his role in the creation 
of that highly respected organization and his other vital contributions 
to international public policy. This award is richly deserved, and 
calls to attention the accomplishments of this remarkable public 
servant.
  His career in public office--which included 6 years of service in the 
New York State Assembly and 18 years representing Brooklyn's 13th 
district in this chamber--was characterized by tireless advocacy, 
unyielding resolve, historic vision, and a deep sense of civic duty.
  His career was marked by exceptionally strong service in the 
international arena. Mr. Solarz served for 18 years on the House 
Foreign Affairs Committee, including service as Chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Affairs, and the Subcommittee on 
Africa. His record of achievement mirrors the historic and positive 
changes that occurred in the world during that period, A champion of 
human rights and democracy, his name figures prominently in the history 
of South Africa for his efforts to help end apartheid and build a non-
racial democracy; in the Philippines for his tireless work in 
supporting democratic transformation and good governance; and in 
Cambodia for his public and private initiatives to help build a 
sustainable peace and national reconciliation in the wake of tragic 
mass killings. His vision in promoting democratization and European 
integration of the nations of Central and Eastern Europe following the 
fall of the Berlin Wall was essential in promoting peace and stability 
throughout the European continent.
  His deep-seated resolve to contribute to international peace and 
justice did not cease after he retired from Congress in 1993. Mr. 
Solarz then served President Clinton as special envoy to Cambodia and 
as Chair to the Board of the Central Asian-American Enterprise Fund. He 
has stayed active since then, contributing frequently to the public 
discourse on international events through his writings and teachings.
  Mr. Solarz also played a vital role in the creation and early 
leadership of the International Crisis Group, which has emerged as a 
respected conflict prevention and resolution organization. As part of a 
group of prominent international citizens and foreign policy 
specialists who were appalled by the international community's failure 
to respond to crises of the mid-1990s in Somalia, Bosnia, and Rwanda, 
Mr. Solarz recognized the need for an organization, wholly independent 
of any government that would help governments, international 
organizations, and the world community to prevent, contain, and resolve 
deadly conflict. In the early stages of its formation, Mr. Solarz 
traveled to two dozen countries to discuss the proposed organization, 
garner support, and raise funds. The vision of that group was realized, 
and Mr. Solarz went on to serve first as the organization's first vice 
chairman and now serves on its board of trustees.
  It is with great pride and admiration that I join the International 
Crisis Group in celebrating this great American and distinguished 
veteran of the House of Representatives. I thank his wife of 38 years, 
Nina Koldin, and his two children for sharing their husband and father 
with us. I am proud to pay tribute to Stephen Solarz for his 
contributions to the people of New York, the United States, and the 
entire world.

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