Greetings from Richard G. Lugar, the Senate of the United States for the 20th Anniversary of Mongolian Democratic Revolution

 



Dear President Ts. Elbegdorj and the People of Mongolia,

I am pleased to join with you in celebrating 20 years of Mongolian democracy. The courage of a few hundred young Mongolians in 1989 set the stage for Mongolia to embrace democracy, a multi-party political system, and a market-based economy. Mongolia has astounded the world with how far it has travelled down the road of democracy development.

I was pleased earlier this year to co-sponsor S. Res. 192, a resolution supporting democracy and economic development in Mongolia, and calling for expanded relations between the United States and Mongolia. The United States will continue to partner with Mongolia on several fronts, including economic development, expanded educational opportunities, and national security.

As democracy continues to develop, I predict that the people of Mongolia will maintain and strengthen freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and freedom of assembly. I am hopeful that the Mongolian people will resist efforts to weaken economic reforms or return to a system that contains remnants of state control of the economy.

1 would also like to recognize Mongolia's significant participation in global peacekeeping operations. In addition to its support of coalition forces in Afghanistan, Mongolia has committed more than 1,000 members of the Armed Forces to participate in NATO and UN missions in 2010.

Mr. President, I commend you for your pioneering work to strengthen Mongolia's democracy movement and the leadership you continue to provide. I will continue to support the vibrant partnership between the people of Mongolia and the people of the United States.


Sincerely,

Richard G. Lugar


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