[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 114 (Friday, July 30, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MR. ALVARO BOTERO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 29, 2010

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, this week Colombia 
celebrates 200 years as a sovereign nation. As we congratulate our 
democratic ally and friend on its Bicentennial, it is fitting that we 
also honor some of Colombia's finest, and among them, is Alvaro Botero.
  Alvaro is a respected journalist, author and writer. He is a strong 
advocate for freedom of the press. He knows that many around the world 
are censored and prohibited from speaking the truth, so he values his 
ability to write and report in a free and democratic society. Alvaro is 
committed to keeping the connection between his native Colombia and his 
home of 23 years, South Florida. He works hard to ensure that the 
Colombian American community in the United States is informed and in 
tune with what is happening in Colombia, South Florida and around the 
world.
  For more than 16 years, Alvaro has published ``El Notiloco de 
Botero'' a satirical news magazine and in recent years launched a 
corresponding news site. He started his career in Colombia studying 
journalism and public relations. His work has appeared in publications 
throughout Latin America and the United States and he has published 
several books, earning recognitions at the Feria Internacional de 
Libro, International Book Fair. Alvaro has served as a correspondent 
for Colombian news network RCN, RCN Radio and RCN Miami, and was 
instrumental in the creation of Radio Caracol, South Florida's 
Colombian Radio Station, with daily programming in the United States 
and Colombia.
  Alvaro works to promote democracy and speak out for those who cannot 
express themselves freely as he can, and he continues to humor us each 
day through his writing. After 23 years of living in Miami, he is still 
as passionate about his native Colombia as he is about his home, the 
United States.
  I ask that you join me in honoring Alvaro Botero, a fine journalist, 
friend and the voice of South Florida's Colombian American community.

                          ____________________