[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 133 (Friday, October 5, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1686]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING ALVARO URIBE AND RICARDO SALINAS, TWO KEY FIGURES IN LATIN 
                                AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 5, 2012

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on Monday October 1st, the 
Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) hosted their First 
Annual Trade and International Affairs Symposium, which highlighted the 
contributions of the U.S. Hispanic community to the global economy. To 
culminate the day of activities, CHLI honored two important figures 
from Latin America during the Global Leadership Salon Dinner: Alvaro 
Uribe, former President of Colombia, and Mexican businessman Ricardo 
Salinas, President and CEO of Grupo Salinas.
  Alvaro Uribe started his career in public service as a Senator of 
Colombia, making great strides in increasing community participation in 
government decisions. Then, he became Governor of Antioquia, where he 
cut government spending and allocated more funding to the education 
system to improve schools. During his tenure as Governor, 40,000 people 
received training in the peaceful negotiation of conflict; and, with 
community cooperation, the number of kidnapping cases fell 
dramatically. In 2002, Mr. Uribe became President of Colombia and our 
country's staunchest ally in Latin America. With his integrity and 
courage, Uribe fought the extremist forces within his country and led 
an aggressive campaign to root out drug traffickers. Colombia 
strengthened its democracy, improved its judicial system, protected 
human rights, and enhanced the way of life for all Colombians. Mr. 
Uribe reaffirmed his commitment to the U.S. by negotiating the U.S.-
Colombia Free Trade Agreement, a critical alliance that benefits the 
security and economic interests of both nations. It is no wonder that 
in 2009, President George W. Bush honored Alvaro Uribe with the U.S. 
Presidential Medal of Freedom for his meritorious contributions to our 
country. To this day, Mr. Uribe remains a great friend of the causes of 
freedom, democracy, and human rights in Latin America; and a strong 
partner of the United States.
  Ricardo Salinas has been a pioneer in breaking down walls of 
competition in key industries in both Mexico and the rest of Latin 
America. While his business achievements are admirable, his 
philanthropic work is perhaps even more laudable. Ricardo has been an 
outspoken entrepreneur who has dedicated his business career to 
promoting education, health and human rights among the communities he 
serves. Through Fundacion Azteca, Ricardo has raised millions of 
dollars for important charities in Mexico. Following the steps of 
Fundacion Azteca, Ricardo founded Fundacion Azteca America, an 
organization that works to promote the well-being of the Hispanic 
community in the United States. As part of their work, Fundacion Azteca 
America has developed a series of social campaigns such as establishing 
educational programs for young Hispanic students to access quality 
education; improving civic engagement; and learning about financial 
responsibility. The organization has also been a staunch supporter of 
comprehensive immigration reform.
  Mr. Speaker, as we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I 
am honored to have these two significant leaders from the Western 
Hemisphere in our nation's capital. I would also like to thank CHLI for 
their vision of advancing the Hispanic community's diversity of thought 
in the United States and beyond.

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