[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4653]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         CONGRATULATIONS TO GENERAL VASCO JOAQUIN ROCHA VIEIRA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD W. POMBO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 16, 1999

  Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to 
General Vasco Joaquin Rocha Vieira the Governor of Macao on the Third 
Meeting, or the ``Terceiro Econtro'' of the Macanese people. The 
``Terceiro Encontro'' symbolizes the importance of cultural diversity, 
social cohesion, and international ties in the historic development of 
Macao.
  As the co-chair of the House Portuguese-American Caucus, and the only 
member of the House of Representatives of Portuguese ancestry I am very 
proud of the former Portuguese territory and its people.
  The Macanese people reflect a unique and positive blending of the 
European and Asian Cultures. They also have made very significant 
contributions to the social, political, and economic welfare in the 
communities in which they reside.
  The territory of Macao is situated on the meridional skirt of the 
China Coast and is scheduled to be turned over to the People's Republic 
of China on December 20, 1999. Throughout its more than 400 years of 
history, Macao has proudly been the stronghold of the Portuguese 
presence and culture in the Far East. The Portuguese flag was always 
flown in Macao, even during the Spanish occupation of Portugal. This 
proud history and strong roots makes the ``Terceiro Encontro'' a truly 
special event.
  Mr. Speaker please join me in once again congratulate General Vieira 
on this important event.

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