[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25358]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



WAIVING POINTS OF ORDER AGAINST CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 4811, FOREIGN 
OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  2001

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                               speech of

                          HON. MARK E. SOUDER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 25, 2000

  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss issues concerning 
the Republic of Macedonia. The largest population of Macedonian-
Americans resides in my district. During the Kosovo Crisis, and 
throughout the wars in the Former Yugoslavia in the 1990's, Macedonia 
has shown remarkable strength and resilience which has allowed this 
democratic country to emerge as a point of stability in the Balkans as 
well as a strong ally of the United States. I believe we need to adhere 
to our financial commitments and reemphasize our support for Macedonia.
  As many of you know, President Boris Trajkovski is engaged in a long-
term economic development program following the aftermath of the Kosovo 
crisis. Also, I understand that the continued border instability is 
undermining the Republic of Macedonia's overall economic climate and 
risks future economic development.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to compliment the managers of the Foreign 
Operations Appropriations bill for including language that strongly 
supports President Trajkovski's government's efforts to bring stability 
and economic prosperity to all Macedonians and to the Balkan region.
  As a strong supporter of Macedonia, I support the manager's intent to 
encourage the Department of State to provide adequate resources to fund 
critical project components of President Trajkovski's Economic 
Stabilization and Development Plan.

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