On the recordMay 31, 2011
Mr. Speaker, today I return from a meeting of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Varna, Bulgaria, where the U.S. delegation was chaired by Congressman Mike Turner, accompanied by Mike Ross, Jo Ann Emerson, and Jeff Miller. We were welcomed by the former Mayor of Varna, Hristo Kirchev, who is a champion of freedom and democracy in a nation which, since 1990, has evolved from the chains of communist totalitarianism to being a vibrant free market democracy today. Parliamentarians from NATO's 28 member nations and delegations, from Russia to Montenegro, were briefed on issues critical to promoting democracy in the world. Secretary General Anders Rasmussen presented a clear report on NATO's progress in Iraq and Afghanistan, while encouraging civil society movements in North Africa. Prime Minister Boyko Borisov of Bulgaria gave a stirring promotion of a missile defense system for Europe. Bulgaria is a valued partner of America. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. ____________________
