Bulgaria - An Ally and Friend

BULGARIA-AN ALLY AND FRIEND -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 20, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. JOE WILSON
OF SOUTH CAROLINA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2005

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Republic of Bulgaria on its continued-and unwavering-support of the United States both in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am particularly encouraged by Bulgaria's commitment in Iraq. In defiance of great pressure to withdraw its troops, Bulgaria has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States in bringing freedom and democracy to the Iraqi people.

One need only look to Bulgaria's past to recognize the significance of its actions now. A former Soviet bloc country, Bulgaria was a cold war adversary of the United States. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, however, Bulgaria has revitalized its economy, entered the world market, and contributed to peacekeeping operations around the globe. Indeed, bold steps supported by a profound vision for the future, have resulted in great progress. Today, Bulgaria is one of the newest members of NATO, and it is finalizing its accession to the European Union.

Perhaps the most striking illustration of Bulgaria's evolution from cold war adversary to strategic ally, is its willingness to actively promote democracy beyond its borders-particularly in Iraq. As a member of the United Nations Security Council during the Iraq debate, Bulgaria voted with the United States concerning the use of military force in Iraq. Bulgaria also routinely grants to the United States the use of its airspace, and has offered ground, air, and naval basing rights.

Most importantly, however, Bulgaria has contributed to bringing peace and democracy to Iraq not only through its words, but through its sacrifices.

Bulgaria has 500 troops in Iraq and has suffered 8 deaths there. Yet it remains resolute. On the day that two Bulgarian contractors were murdered in Iraq, the Bulgarian Government recommitted its support and later increased its troop level. The surest way to establish peace is to stand up to the terrorists and not turn and run, which encourages more terrorist barbarism.

For Bulgaria, this is not an insignificant commitment. This Eastern European country is one of the least developed to contribute troops to the Coalition, and doing so has greatly impacted the nation's economy. Yet despite its limited resources, Bulgarian troops have rebuilt hospitals and schools, restored power and water, and provided security to numerous towns and villages-considerable accomplishments for a country that itself is a budding democracy.

Some have belittled the Coalition as simply a reporting of numbers. This disparages the great sacrifices made in Iraq by smaller nations such as Bulgaria. To the contrary, it is the contribution of these smaller nations that signals to the Iraqi people that even those nations less fortunate than the world's superpowers care deeply about the future of Iraq.

Mr. Speaker, I for one, am deeply grateful to our Bulgarian friends, and I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing and commending this United States ally for its sacrifices and continuing commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan. I know firsthand of this service having visited with Bulgarian troops in Afghanistan and my oldest son, U.S. Army Captain Alan Wilson, was eager to meet his Bulgarian colleagues during his year-long tour last fall in Iraq.

I thank you Bulgaria for your friendship to the United States, and together, we will never forget the attacks of September 11th, 2001.

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