[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 132 (Thursday, September 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1569]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONGRATULATING THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 8, 2011

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 20th Anniversary 
of the Republic of Macedonia's independence. On September 8, 1991, the 
Republic of Macedonia declared its independence--becoming the only 
nation to peacefully secede from the Socialist Federal Republic of 
Yugoslavia. In the twenty years since its independence, the Republic of 
Macedonia has transformed itself into a modern democratic nation that 
shares the core values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law with 
the United States of America. These great strides have put the Republic 
of Macedonia on the road to full membership in the European Union and 
NATO. As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said last year, ``The 
United States is committed to promoting Macedonia's membership in NATO 
and the European Union, and we will continue to help strengthen 
Macedonia's democratic institutions in cooperation with your leaders 
and civil society.''
  The United States of America and the Republic of Macedonia enjoy a 
cooperative relationship across a range of economic, cultural, 
military, and social issues. As the fourth largest contributor per 
capita in the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan 
Macedonia has become one of the United States' strongest allies against 
transnational terrorism. This partnership is lasting and important.
  Macedonians have made an impact in the United States, as there are 
over half a million people of Macedonian heritage in this country. They 
dedicate their knowledge and skills to public service industries, 
science, and the arts. I am proud to represent many Macedonians in New 
Jersey's Eighth Congressional District.
  I congratulate the people of the Republic of Macedonia on the 20th 
anniversary of their country's independence and join the Macedonian-
American community in my district and across the United States in 
celebrating this important occasion.

                          ____________________