David Durenberger: “I wish to call my colleagues' attention to an op-ed in this morning's Washington Post about a truly heroic figure…”

“I wish to call my colleagues' attention to an op-ed in this morning's Washington Post about a truly heroic figure, Alfredo Cristiani, President of El Salvador. Against daunting odds, President Cristiani forged a peace agreement that once and for all put an end to that country's terrorist guerilla insurgency and laid the foundations for alleviating the injustices that provided fertile ground for civil conflict. With the power and constancy of his will and determination to achieve peace and build a better future for his country, President Cristiani overwhelmed his early detractors and the persistent, irredeemable forces of the status quo who sought to derail him. Always calm, always steady, Alfredo Cristiani never lost sight of the prize he committed himself to reaching. President Cristiani's example inspires us all to exhibit unrelenting courage in the pursuit of just and noble objectives. He weathered many storms that blew his way during his 5-year tenure in office, and has emerged even stronger for having stayed the course of peace and prosperity that he promised the people of El Salvador in his inaugural address in 1989. In their recent elections, the people of El Salvador voted by more than 2-to-1 for the President's party, creating a flood of support for continuing along the path Alfredo Cristiani has charted for his country.”