[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 136 (Thursday, September 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2360-E2361]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN RECOGNITION OF AMBASSADOR IRINA BOKOVA OF BULGARIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2009

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, September 
22, 2009, Irina Bokova, Bulgaria's Ambassador to France, was elected 
the director general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and 
Cultural Organization (UNESCO). As the first female director of UNESCO, 
Ambassador Bokova brings her diplomatic and cultural knowledge as a 
former foreign minister of Bulgaria and her work in helping to bring 
Bulgaria into the European Union and the North American Treaty 
Organization (NATO).
  As co-chair of the Congressional Bulgaria Caucus, I want to 
congratulate the people of Bulgaria and Ambassador Bokova for her 
success. Having visited Bulgaria first as an International Republican 
Institute election observer in June 1990 and since, I have seen 
firsthand this young democracy emerge from

[[Page E2361]]

the oppression of Communism to being one of the most dynamic 
democracies of Europe. On my multiple visits over the years to 
Bulgaria, I have always been inspired by the extraordinary people who 
have overcome totalitarianism for liberty and freedom. Bulgaria is a 
cherished partner of America, and we want the best for this nation of 
historic treasures.

                          ____________________