[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21720]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      BULGARIAN MIRACLE CONTINUES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2006

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday was a joyous day 
for the people of Bulgaria. The European Commission recommended 
Bulgaria be admitted into the European Union in January 2007.
  In less than 16 years, Bulgaria has successfully transitioned from a 
Communist totalitarian regime into a free market democracy.
  Just 3 years ago, I was honored to be at the White House with former 
Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg Gotha as Bulgaria was admitted into 
NATO. Bulgaria has proven to be a true ally in the Global War on 
Terrorism, and Bulgarian troops have served bravely in Iraq and 
Afghanistan. There are currently plans for three U.S. bases to be 
located within Bulgaria.
  Bulgaria has one of the fastest growing European economies, and 
membership in the EU will accelerate its pace. Economically and 
militarily, Bulgaria is secure.
  Congratulations to President Georgi Parvanov, Prime Minister Sergey 
Stanishev, Ambassador to Washington Elena Poptodorova, and my longtime 
friend Ambassador to Athens Stefan Stoyanov.
  I am grateful to serve with Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher as Co-Chair 
of the Bulgarian Caucus, promoting the growing partnership between 
Bulgaria and America.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget 
September 11th.

                          ____________________