[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 56 (Friday, March 30, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E704-E705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              5-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF RADIO FREE AFGHANISTAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDWARD R. ROYCE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2007

  Mr. ROYCE. Madam Speaker, January 30, 2007, marked the 5-year 
anniversary of Radio

[[Page E705]]

Free Afghanistan's first broadcast. Five years ago, this service of 
Radio Free Europe began broadcasting 12 hours a day in Dari and Pashto, 
to millions of Afghans who had been thirsting for legitimate news and 
information.
  Radio Free Afghanistan had operated during the Soviet invasion, but 
was then unwisely stopped. The Taliban's Radio Shariat filled the 
vacuum--broadcasting a steady stream of hate. After the Taliban's fall, 
Radio Free Afghanistan was restarted and has established itself as the 
leading broadcaster, with nearly 60 percent of Afghan adults listening.
  Madam Speaker, it was Congress who took the lead in creating this 
essential service. A bipartisan group of Members passed my Radio Free 
Afghanistan Act of 2001 quickly after September 11th.
  As Afghans have confronted many challenges over the past 5 years, 
Radio Free Afghanistan has been there--and will continue to be in the 
years to come, offering a voice of freedom and moderation.

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