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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
DYNAMIC ARGENTINA AND CHILE
______
HON. JOE WILSON
of south carolina
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, this past weekend of the
50th anniversary of the U.S. Landing on the Moon, I was grateful to
join with Chairman Albio Sires of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee of
the Western Hemisphere to participate in a bipartisan delegation to
Argentina and Chile. Additional members were Ted Deutch, Tom Graves,
Ted Yoho, and Norma Torres.
The initial purpose of the CODEL was to attend the Remembrance
Ceremony commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the terrorist bombing of
the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA) Jewish Community
Center. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo provided a heartfelt tribute for
the 85 victims viciously murdered by cowardly perpetrators traced to
the terrorists of Hezbollah financed by the Iranian regime. AMIA
President Ariel Eichbaum welcomed diplomats from across South America.
We also visited the memorial park at the site of the Israeli Embassy
which was bombed in 1992 murdering 29 victims who were largely
Argentinian citizens who were tragically simply walking in the
neighborhood.
Due to the respect of Chairman Sires, the delegation was welcomed to
the office of President Mauricio Macri. It was impressive to meet with
such a public servant who so clearly loves and appreciates the people
he serves of Argentina.
U.S. Ambassador Eduard Prado and his wife Maria hosted our visit to
the historic Ambassador's residence where we met the courageous
Ambassador from Venezuela Elisa Trotta Gamus. Ambassador Gamus has been
appointed by the legitimate government of Venezuela led by Interim-
President Juan Guaido opposed to the dictatorship of the disgraced
Nicolas Madura who has plundered the formerly wealthy nation of
Venezuela stealing from its impoverished citizens.
In Santiago, Chile, a very professional country team briefing was
provided at the Embassy confirming Chile as a very dynamic democracy
with extraordinary economic success as a model of free market benefits
of reducing poverty. The professionalism of the military of Chile was
presented as they are partnered with the Texas National Guard. Charge
d'Affaires Baxter Hunt has an enthusiastic staff.
The U.S. Chile lnterparliamentary Friendship Group of the Chamber of
Deputies led by Chamber President Ivan Flores Garcia hosted a meeting
with Chilean parliamentarians of different parties who all were clear
in their appreciation and respect for America.
U.S. educated, Fulbright Scholar, President Sebastian Pinera welcomed
the delegation to the Presidential Palace. More traveled than the
delegation, he has visited all 50 U.S. states. In his current term and
his prior service as President, it is clear his free market success has
built a modern, vibrant partner of the United States inspiring
democracy in all of South America.
The talented citizens of Argentina and Chile can be proud of their
achievements with Argentina having a land mass equal to the U.S., east
of Mississippi River and narrow Chile at 8,000 miles--three time the
length of California.
____________________
