[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 166 (Wednesday, November 20, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE INAUGURATION OF THE CONGRESSIONAL MONTENEGRO CAUCUS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 20, 2013

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague, Rep. Doug 
Lamborn of Colorado, to recognize the inauguration of the Congressional 
Montenegro Caucus and welcome the President of the Montenegrin 
Parliament to Washington, D.C.
  Tonight, we will join with many of our colleagues to formally mark 
our commitment to strengthen an existing friendship with a young friend 
but vitally important ally in the Balkans.
  Together, our nations work to advance peace and prosperity in the 
region and across the world. Montenegro has demonstrated a strong 
commitment to regional stability and peacekeeping efforts. Its openness 
to American businesses and investors make Montenegro an important 
economic partner.
  For eight years, Montenegro has participated in the National Guard's 
State Partnership Program, partnering with Maine as the Montenegrin 
military transitions to an all-volunteer force. Now, the partnership 
between our two nations grows even stronger with the establishment of 
the Congressional Montenegro Caucus.
  We are especially pleased to welcome the President of the Parliament 
of Montenegro and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Mr. Ranko 
Krivokapic, to Washington, D.C. as we celebrate the founding of this 
important caucus. We look forward to many more years of cooperation and 
friendship between our countries.
  Mr. Speaker, please join us again in celebrating the inauguration of 
the Congressional Montenegro Caucus.

                          ____________________