Mongolia and Burma
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
SENATE
Oct. 5, 2004
MONGOLIA AND BURMA
Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, as elected representatives, we often get correspondence from people-from our respective States and elsewhere-expressing views and opinions on a whole range of issues.
Occasionally, a letter comes in that deserves to be shared with the entire Senate. I recently received such a letter from Mongolian Prime Minister Elbegdorj Tsakhia, who took power after democratic elections in that country earlier this year.
While some may not pay much attention to Mongolia-it is literally half a world away-it deserves America's thanks and praise. That country serves to remind us that the fundamental pillars upon which our democracy is constructed-individual rights, freedom of the press and religious tolerance-are not Western ideals but universal rights. As Prime Minister Elbegdorj points out, Mongolia enjoys a tradition of democracy and recognizes that it shares a responsibility to support freedom beyond its borders.
Today I want to personally thank Prime Minister Elbegdorj and the people of Mongolia for their country's contributions to the War on Terrorism in Iraq and for their steadfast support of democracy in Asia-and in Burma, in particular. Brave Mongolian soldiers serving in Iraq, and those who champion the cause of democracy closer to home, are a tribute to their country.
While I will include the text of the Prime Minister's letter in the RECORD following my remarks, I want to read one line that rings true:
Having lived under, and fought against, the tyranny of Communism I can assure you of one thing: that no dictatorship, no military regime, no authoritarian government can stand against the collective will of a people determined to be free.
Amen, Mr. Prime Minister.
I encourage you to do all you can to further strengthen democracy in your own country, and to continue to aggressively support Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the people of Burma in their struggle for freedom.
I ask unanimous consent to print the letter in the RECORD.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows: