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“TUNISIA AT 40” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E401 on March 21, 1996.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TUNISIA AT 40
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HON. LEE H. HAMILTON
of indiana
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 20, 1996
Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, March 20, 1996 marks the 40th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Tunisia. I urge my colleagues to join me in saluting the people of this important North African country on this significant milestone.
Tunisia, first, under President Bourguiba, and since 1987, under President Ben Ali, has played a key role in preserving peace and stability in often turbulent North Africa and in providing leadership for the entire Arab world.
This country of 9 million people is located between Libya and Algeria on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It has a tradition of playing an important regional role. For 11 years until 1990, Tunisia hosted the Arab League, and for 12 years from 1982 to 1994, Tunisia was the home of Yasir Arafat and the Palestine Liberation Organization. In that time, the Tunisians worked hard to moderate policies of the PLO and to promote the peace process.
More recently, Tunisia has been a leader in promoting the peace process. Tunisia was the first Arab state to host a U.N. multilateral meeting of the peace process and to welcome an official Israeli delegation. And on January 22 of this year, Israel and Tunisia agreed to establish diplomatic relations, and I understand that interests sections will open in Tunis and Tel Aviv by mid-April, 1996.
At home, Tunisia has been a leader in its region. Tunisia has taken steps toward democracy. It has opened up both its economy and its political system, despite the pressures of extremism with which Tunisia and its neighbors must contend. Tunisia's budget has the right priorities. Defense spending is reduced. Education is a top priority, and it is reflected in Tunisia's 60 percent literacy rate.
Tunisia still has some distance to go in achieving a full democracy and full protection of human rights. This year's Department of State human rights report notes that some serious problems remain. The government continued to stifle freedoms of speech, press, and association. Some improvement on human rights has occurred, and I hope that Tunisia will take note of these concerns and address them in a positive way in the months ahead.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join in saluting Tunisia for its moderation, its leadership, and its continued strong partnership with the United States. I hope that United States-Tunisian relations continue to expand and deepen and that Tunisia continues to grow as a leader in promoting peace, stability, and economic and political openness.
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