[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E490]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   KEY ALLIANCES IMPROVE REGIONAL SECURITY AND PROTECT CRITICAL U.S. 
                               INTERESTS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2012

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind my colleagues of the 
critical importance of our strategic allies. While some in Congress say 
that the United States should focus our efforts to defend our nation on 
building walls and restricting entry at our borders, we must continue 
to address the global threat of terrorism through cooperation and 
coordination with our allies.
  While I am sure that most everyone would agree with the general 
concept that nations should work together to fight terrorism, I wanted 
to mention two countries to give my colleagues concrete examples of the 
critical importance of our alliances and the need to cultivate these 
relationships.
  Turkey has a key strategic position, controlling the Bosporus Straits 
and sharing a border with Syria, Iran and Iraq. A member of the North 
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Turkey has been a strong ally to 
the United States and to all of Europe. Turkey has proven to be an 
important partner as US forces have left Iraq and regional tensions 
have increased as the situation in Syria continues to devolve and Iran 
pursues nuclear technologies. Turkey's importance to the US and the 
world will continue to increase in the future, and Turkey will be 
critical to maintaining peace and stability.
  At a time when the US and NATO continue to maintain a large military 
presence in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan is a valued partner. From providing 
critical access to Afghanistan to helping fight the flow of illegal 
drugs that fund Taliban insurgents, Azerbaijan has repeatedly proven 
their commitment to the fight against terrorism. As Azerbaijan 
continues to develop democratic institutions and a civil society, their 
contributions to regional and global security will increase even more. 
At a time when all of our alliances are being tested, the partnership 
between the United States and Azerbaijan remains strong.
  The world is a safer place for all when we combine our efforts to 
fight those criminals who seek to use terror as a means to achieve 
their goals. When we work together, we become more than the sum of our 
parts. I urge my colleagues to support our nation's efforts along with 
those of our allies like Turkey and Azerbaijan to secure and protect 
our citizens

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