105TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. CON. RES. 172
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Whereas in 1990, Mongolia renounced the Communist form
of government and peacefully adopted a series of changes
that linked economic development with democratic politi-
cal reforms;
Whereas the Mongolian people have held 2 presidential elec-
tions and 3 parliamentary elections since 1990, all fea-
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turing vigorous campaigns by candidates from multiple
political parties;
Whereas these elections have been free from violence, voter
intimidation, and ballot irregularities, and the peaceful
transfer of power from one Mongolian government to an-
other has been successfully completed, demonstrating
Mongolia’s commitment to peace, stability, and the rule
of law;
Whereas every Mongolian government since the end of com-
munism has dedicated itself to promoting and protecting
individual freedoms, the rule of law, respect for human
rights, freedom of the press, and the principle of self-gov-
ernment, demonstrating that Mongolia is consolidating
democratic gains and moving to institutionalize demo-
cratic processes;
Whereas Mongolia stands apart as one of the few countries
in Asia that is truly a fully functioning democracy; its ef-
forts to promote economic development through free mar-
ket economic policies, while also promoting human rights
and individual liberties, building democratic institutions,
and protecting the environment, serve as a beacon to
freethinking people throughout the region and the world;
Whereas Mongolia’s commitment to democracy makes it a
critical element in efforts to foster and maintain regional
stability throughout central Asia;
Whereas Mongolia has some of the most pristine environ-
ments in the world, which provide habitats to plant and
animal species that have been lost elsewhere, and has
shown a strong desire to protect its environment through
the Biodiversity Conservation Action Plan while moving
forward with economic development, thus serving as a
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model for developing nations in the region and through-
out the world;
Whereas Mongolia has established civilian control of the mili-
tary—a hallmark of democratic nations—and is now
working with the Mongolian parliamentary and military
leaders, through the United States International Military
Education and Training program, to further develop
oversight of the military;
Whereas Mongolia is seeking to develop political and military
relationships with neighboring countries as a means of
enhancing regional stability; and
Whereas Mongolia has demonstrated a strong commitment to
the same ideals that the United States stands for as a
nation, and has indicated a strong desire to deepen and
strengthen its relationship with the United States: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That—
(1) the Congress—
(A) supports the efforts of the Mongolian
parliament to establish ‘‘United States-Mongo-
lian Friendship Day’’;
(B) strongly supports efforts by the United
States and Mongolia to use the resources of
their respective countries to strengthen political,
economic, educational, and cultural ties between
the 2 countries;
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(C) confirms the support of the United
States for an independent, sovereign, secure,
and democratic Mongolia;
(D) applauds and encourages Mongolia’s
simultaneous efforts to develop its democratic
and free market institutions;
(E) commends Mongolia for its foresight in
environmental protection through the Biodiver-
sity Conservation Action Plan and encourages
Mongolia to obtain the goals illustrated in this
plan;
(F) encourages Mongolia’s efforts toward
economic development that is compatible with
environmental protection and supports an ex-
change of ideas and information between Mon-
golian and United States scientists;
(G) 
commends 
Mongolia’s 
efforts 
to
strengthen civilian control, through parliamen-
tary oversight, over the military; and
(H) supports future contacts between the
United States and Mongolia in such a manner
as will benefit the parliamentary, judicial, and
political institutions of Mongolia, particularly
through the creation of an interparliamentary
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exchange between the Congress of the United
States and the Mongolian parliament; and
(2) it is the sense of the Congress that the
President—
(A) should, both through the vote of the
United States in international financial institu-
tions and in the administration of the bilateral
assistance programs of the United States, such
as the Central Asian Enterprise Fund, support
Mongolia in its efforts to expand economic op-
portunity through free market structures and
policies;
(B) should assist Mongolia in its efforts to
integrate itself into international economic
structures, such as the World Trade Organiza-
tion; and
(C) should promote efforts to increase
commercial investment in Mongolia by United
States businesses and should promote policies
which will increase economic cooperation and
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development between the United States and
Mongolia.
Passed the House of Representatives November 13,
1997.
Attest:
Clerk.