[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 2979]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



               TUNISIA'S 44TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

 Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, I rise today to commend Tunisia 
on its 44 years of independence and to congratulate the people of 
Tunisia on their many successful endeavors.
  In 1997, Tunisia and the United States celebrated the bicentennial of 
the ``Treaty of Peace and Friendship.'' This celebration marked the 
longest unbroken friendship treaty in the history of the two countries. 
Throughout our long relationship, the United States and Tunisia have 
experienced cooperation based upon respect and mutual commitment to 
freedom, democracy, and the peaceful resolution of conflict.
  Tunisia has been a leader in promoting stability and peace in Africa 
and the Middle East. It was the first Arab state to host an Israeli 
delegation and hold a multilateral meeting promoting peace. In 1996, 
Tunisia and Israel opened interest sections in each country and 
established full diplomatic relations.
  In addition to supporting peace in the Middle East, Tunisia has made 
impressive economic strides. The people of Tunisia enjoy a high 
standard of living, and the country has successfully graduated from 
development assistance to self-sufficiency. These improvements have 
come about through the devotion of vital resources to the promotion of 
its people, education, and economic reform. Tunisia's market-oriented 
economy has flourished under increasingly privatized companies. And, 
Tunisia's membership in the World Trade Organization is indicative of 
its willingness to engage the world and maintain involvement with other 
nations.
  Tunisia has been a friend and ally to the United States for many 
years. I look forward to continued cooperation and friendship in the 
years to come. As Tunisia celebrates its 44th Anniversary of 
Independence, I offer my sincere congratulations on their many 
successful accomplishments.

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