[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 11661]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING PRESIDENT-ELECT OF COLOMBIA, JUAN MANUEL SANTOS

  (Mr. SIRES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the orderly and 
peaceful election that took place in Colombia. I congratulate the 
President-elect of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, and I commend the 
people of Colombia for their relentless dedication to the democratic 
process that was shown through this election.
  In an increasingly volatile region, Colombia has continued on the 
path towards reform while combating drug trafficking and terrorism, 
efforts which have had a positive effect on Colombian and American 
national security. Additionally, Colombia has made remarkable progress 
on other fronts, emerging as an important growth market and as a 
leading center for Latin American business.
  In the face of hostility towards U.S. interests and values, Colombia 
has consistently proven itself to be an important friend, a reliable 
partner, and a champion for democracy. The positive bilateral 
relationship between the United States and Colombia has been based on 
many common strategic and ideological interests, reaffirming Colombia's 
position as an important ally and as a longtime friend of the United 
States.
  Again, I congratulate President-elect Juan Manuel Santos on his 
victory. I look forward to a continued partnership between our two 
nations.

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