Floor Speech - September 28, 2004

BIDDING FAREWELL TO AMBASSADOR JAZAIRY

Mr. Speaker, 

It is with great sadness that I rise today to share with my colleagues that Ambassador Idriss Jazairy of Algeria will be leaving us soon at the end of a very successful tour of duty in the United States.

It has been a privilege working with this gentleman as Algeria's ambassador to the United States for the past 4 years. 

His eloquent professionalism, great confidence, and his deep care for his family and country have all been reflected in his life and service here.

Ambassador Jazairy is a true diplomat. He builds bridges and facilitates reconciliation. He has been an eloquent spokesman for his country and the causes of peace and goodwill in the world. He, indeed, is what one would call a peacemaker. 

He represents his nation's interests with great dignity and has been a wonderful man to work with and call a friend. We will miss him.

Mr. Speaker, I wish the ambassador the very best as he begins his new tour of duty in Geneva as an ambassador to the United Nations, and hope our paths will cross soon.