[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1803]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING REPUBLIC OF COLOMBIA'S AMBASSADOR CAROLINA BARCO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GREGORY W. MEEKS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. MEEKS of New York. Madam Speaker, I offer these remarks on my own 
behalf and on behalf of my fellow co-chairs of the Congressional 
Colombia Caucus which includes Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, 
Representative Henry Cuellar, and Representative Aaron Schock. As co-
chairs of the Caucus, we recognize today the tremendous work and legacy 
of the Republic of Colombia's outgoing Ambassador to the United States, 
Carolina Barco. Since 2006 Ambassador Barco has been an exemplary 
representative of the government and people of Colombia. She has worked 
tirelessly to deepen the ties between the United States and the nation 
of Colombia, a key South American ally.
  Ambassador Carolina Barco has been an effective advocate on behalf of 
her country ensuring that we are well aware of the many ways that the 
United States can support a promising vision for the future and the 
continued progress of our ally, to the benefit of our entire 
hemisphere. There has been much progress for us to support. While she 
has been Ambassador to the United States, we have seen evidence of the 
commitment of Colombia to continue efforts to reestablish and maintain 
government control over its territory, fight drug trafficking and 
terrorist activities, reduce poverty, and become a more inclusive 
society. Despite Colombia's decades long conflict with guerrilla forces 
and paramilitary groups, public security has been restored in many 
areas previously under siege, and a stable environment for investment 
has been created.
  As Ambassador Barco passes the baton to her successor, we know that 
her country is on strong footing and her work here in the United States 
has created long lasting relationships that will continue to be 
fruitful; though she is leaving her legacy lives on. We wish her well 
on her future endeavors.

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