[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 162 (Tuesday, October 15, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                OSCE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY IN MARRAKECH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 15, 2019

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, two weeks ago, I 
participated as Ranking Member with Co-Chairman Congressman Alcee 
Hastings and Co-Chairman Senator Roger Wicker of the Joint Commission 
on Security and Cooperation in Europe (The Helsinki Commission) to 
attend the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Marrakech, Morocco, with 
fellow Congressmen Emanuel Cleaver and Andy Harris.
  We were warmly welcomed to North Africa by President Mohamed Ennaceur 
of Tunisia in Tunis. We saw firsthand the vibrant democracy conducting 
parliamentary and presidential elections. America is ably represented 
by Ambassador David Blome and Deputy Chief of Mission Gregory LoGerfo. 
A wreath was placed at the North Africa American Cemetery where over 
6,500 Americans are memorialized for liberating North Africa from Nazi 
occupation, escorted by Superintendent Ryan Blum.
  In Jerusalem our dedicated U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman 
presented an update on the U.S.-Israeli alliance. Prime Minister 
Benjamin Netanyahu enthusiastically reviewed the ever-evolving 
political situation. We were inspired with an audience with the 
Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III. Director Ze'ev Orenstein gave an 
impressive tour of the archeological discoveries of The City of David 
Ancient Jerusalem.
  Chief of Staff Alex Johnson provided well-researched briefing 
materials for the Assembly in Marrakech. Morocco is a valued Non-NATO 
Ally of America with a surging economy for the people led by King 
Mohammed VI.
  With parliamentarians from 57 nations it was refreshing that 
opportunities were available for full participation with members 
respectful of time constraints led by Assembly President Gigi Tsereteli 
of Georgia with Secretary General Roberto Montella of Italy.
  Co-Chairmen Hastings and Wicker hosted a special meeting with nine 
parliamentarians of different political parties from Ukraine who were 
appreciative of America's support of their independence. I was grateful 
to meet dynamic delegates from Andorra, Bulgaria, Kyrgyzstan, San 
Marino, Serbia, and Tajikistan.
  I was fortunate to meet with Speaker of the National Assembly of 
Burkina Fasa Alassane Bala Sakande who is President of the African 
Parliamentary Union and Speaker Moustapha Cisse Lo of the Economic 
Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of Senegal.
  In conclusion, God Bless our Troops, and we will never forget 
September 11th and the Global War on Terrorism, with the leadership of 
President Donald Trump.

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