[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 21 (Tuesday, March 1, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         MONGOLIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO FIGHTING THE WAR ON TERROR

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank the country of Mongolia for 
its contributions in fighting the war on terror. After 9/11 the 
government of Mongolia expressed its strong support for the United 
States and offered training opportunities for coalition forces and 
valuable overflight clearances.
  Mongolia has supported coalition operations by contributing troops to 
both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi 
Freedom.
  In fact, Mongolia has deployed four rotations in each country. And 
even though prior to 2000 Mongolia had not had a national policy of 
deploying forces beyond its borders, it became the first coalition 
country to contribute an infantry battalion in Iraq.
  The Mongolian military is participating in peacekeeping, providing 
security to a logistic base in southern central Iraq, escorting 
convoys, constructing military barracks, medical facilities and local 
schools. The Mongolian soldiers have proven their bravery and skill 
over and over, even preventing a suicide attack that could have killed 
hundreds. For a small country of two and a half million people, these 
contributions are indeed significant and greatly appreciated, and we 
thank this important ally.

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