Ted Poe: “Madam Speaker, today, I am here to recognize the government and the people of Peru as we extend our warmest…”

“Madam Speaker, today, I am here to recognize the government and the people of Peru as we extend our warmest congratulations to them as they celebrate their 185th year as an independent nation. Since independence, the people of Peru have faced many problems, including economic despair, an authoritarian regime, and a violent insurgency. During the 1980s, notorious terrorist groups such as Shining Path and MRTA destabilized Peru and the entire region and spread fear among the people. Financed in part by elicit narcotics, these terrorist groups reduced Peru to the position of the world's second largest producer of cocoa, dimming Peru's prosperous future. However, despite years of political turmoil and violent internal conflict and through the perseverance of its people, Peru was able to escape the stranglehold on its democracy and has recently blossomed into a vibrant free state. This is evidenced by the success of the recent elections in 2001 and 2006 and a growing economy. Today, Peru shares our Nation's most treasured ideals and standards, a success story that demonstrates the power of a democracy.”