Celebrating a Landmark Accomplishment for Bulgaria

CELEBRATING A LANDMARK ACCOMPLISHMENT FOR BULGARIA -- (House of Representatives - April 19, 2005)

(Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week the European Parliament made a historic decision for approval of Bulgaria to join the European Union in 2007.

As co-chair of the Congressional Bulgaria Caucus, I am please to congratulate Ambassador Elena Poptodorova, who represents Sofia in Washington so professionally.

Since the negotiations began in 2000, Bulgarians have proven they are eager to serve as active members of the European Union. They quickly took the right reforms to earn an important role in the international community. By sending over 400 troops to Iraq to rebuild the country and providing troops in Afghanistan that I have visited at Bagram, Bulgaria is also helping to win the war on terrorism.

In addition to NATO membership, Bulgaria's membership in the European Union will prove to be a landmark event in the country's history. I know Bulgaria will continue the Bulgaria miracle of economic success and military security.

In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11.

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