Armenian National Committee of America
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PRESS RELEASE
September 25, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS MARK 15TH
ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE
WASHINGTON, DC – Members of the U.S. Senate and House joined with
Armenian Americans last week in marking the 15th anniversary of the
independence of the Republic of Armenia, reported the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA).
"We join with Armenian Americans throughout the United States in
thanking our Congressional friends for marking this proud milestone
in our nation’s history – the reestablishment in 1991 of the
Armenia’s independence," said ANCA Executive Director Aram
Hamparian.
In his remarks at the recently concluded Armenia-Diaspora
Conference in Yerevan, ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian stressed that,
"our greatest challenges lie ahead; for the independence of the
Republic represents both the realization of our shared hopes and
the foundation upon which we will build a strong and healthy, free,
independent and united homeland.’"
On the House side of the Capitol, Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-
Chairmen Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) urged
their colleagues to participate in a series of "Special Order"
speeches marking this milestone. In his remarks, Rep. Pallone
noted that, "Since its independence, Armenia has emerged as a
viable, vibrant society playing an important role in stabilizing
the South Caucasus region. Armenia continues to be a trusted
partner of the United States in a strategically important area of
the world, a regional leader in political and economic reform, and
a nation committed to the principles of democracy and the rule of
law." Rep. Knollenberg concurred, stating that, "Armenia’s road to
independence was not easy. Enduring centuries of foreign
domination, the genocide against its people in the early 20th
century, and suffering through seven decades of totalitarian
dictatorship did not discourage the Armenian people. In the face
of oppression, the Armenian people never wavered in their pursuit
of freedom and a democratic nation of their own."
Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), who visited Armenia shortly before
its declaration of independence, noted that, "I was honored to
witness the resiliency, courage, and spirit of the Armenian people
when I visited Armenia as a Member of Congress in 1991, in the
aftermath of the devastating earthquake. During that trip, my
commitment to recognizing the Armenian genocide was further
strengthened."
Congressional Armenian Genocide resolution co-authors George
Radanovich (R-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) each stressed the
importance of the strong and growing bond between the U.S. and
Armenia. "The mass killing of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman
Empire was the first genocide of the 20th century. I am proud that
the United States stood by as an ally to Armenia at that time and
has continued to do so throughout the last century," explained Rep.
Radanovich. Rep. Schiff noted that, "Building upon the foundations
of the first Armenian Republic of 1918, today’s Armenia has, in the
years since it declared its independence from the disintegrating
Soviet Union in 1991, strengthened democracy and the rule of law,
promoted free-market reforms, and sought a just and lasting peace
in a troubled region."
Citing the challenges Armenia has faced, Massachusetts Democrat Ed
Markey stated that, "Despite these difficulties, Armenia’s economy
has continued to grow at an impressive pace. The United States
must continue to provide economic and military assistance and do
everything in its power to end these blockades so that Armenia’s
economy can continue to grow and its young democracy can thrive."
Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) cited examples of Armenia’s economic
development, noting that, "it cannot be overlooked that in this
year’s Index of Economic Freedom, Armenia ranked 27th best, tied
with Japan and ahead of countries like Norway, Spain, Portugal and
Italy. The rank puts Armenia in the category of Mostly Free
countries, making it the most economically free state in the
Commonwealth of Independent States."
"While there remains much work to be done, I am confident that the
people of Armenia, with their long history of triumph over
adversity, will succeed again in making their country a beacon of
hope in its troubled part of the world," stated California
Republican Howard "Buck" McKeon. New Jersey Republican Scott
Garrett concluded his remarks, noting, "I congratulate Armenia on
15 years of freedom and progress and trust that our nations will
grow even closer in the future as we seek to promote liberty around
the world."
The complete texts of the Congressional remarks submitted as of
September 23, 2006, are provided below.
#####
Senate and House Remarks Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of
Armenian Independence
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA): Mr. President, I take this opportunity
to recognize and celebrate the important milestone of the 15th
anniversary of Armenian independence.
Armenia has a rich history, which spans more than 3000 years.
Considered one of the cradles of civilization, Armenia was the
first country in the world to officially adopt Christianity as its
religion. The Armenian alphabet and language have helped ensure the
continuation of a vibrant Armenian culture, despite great odds and
numerous attempts to destroy the Armenian nation and the Armenian
people.
I was honored to witness the resiliency, courage, and spirit of the
Armenian people when I visited Armenia as a Member of Congress in
1991, in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. During that
trip, my commitment to recognizing the Armenian genocide was
further strengthened.
In 1915, the Ottoman Turks attempted to annihilate the Armenian
people in a brutal genocide. To this day, the Turkish Government
refuses to acknowledge the atrocities for what they were–a
systematic genocide. Not only were the Armenian people able to
survive the genocide, but they kept their small nation alive. It
was a great victory when the first Republic of Armenia was formed
in 1918 following the Armenian genocide. But again, Armenia faced
dissolution when it was taken over by the Soviet Union in 1920; the
short-lived independence of Armenia ended when it became a Soviet
Republic in the USSR.
Again, the Armenian people persevered despite their loss of
independence and despite more devastation. In 1988, disaster hit
when an earthquake rocked Armenia, killing approximately 50,000
people and leaving more than half a million people homeless.
Then, on September 23, 1991, Armenia declared its independence from
the Soviet Union and formed the second Republic of Armenia. This
was a rebirth of the independent state of Armenia and an historic
moment for an oppressed country. It was a cause for celebration for
Armenians around the world.
I am proud that the United States helped the newly independent
Armenian nation during its transition to democracy. In December,
1991, the United States formally recognized the independence of
Armenia, and the two countries established diplomatic relations
with embassies in each country in January 1992.
But more remains to be done. This 15th anniversary offers an
opportunity to celebrate the United States’ relationship with
Armenia and to renew our commitment to this country and our calls
for Armenian genocide recognition.
Following September 11, 2001, Armenia was one of the first
countries to respond with assistance to the United States. Armenia
provided embassy protection and clearance for U.S. flight, shared
intelligence, and froze bank accounts. The U.S. friendship with
Armenia remains critical in our fight against terrorism. The United
States must never forget Armenia’s help and must do all it can to
help this independent, democratic nation prosper.
On this milestone 15th anniversary, I am honored to recognize
Armenian independence. I pledge to do all I can to assist Armenia
and my Armenian-American constituents in California.
————————————- —————————
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ): Mr. Speaker, today marks the 15th
anniversary of Armenia’s independence. I would like to congratulate
the Armenian Government, its people and the entire extended
Armenian community on this momentous occasion. Over the last 15
years, the Armenian people have made tremendous progress toward a
modern, open and free democracy that should serve as an inspiration
to other nations.
Following the collapse of the U.S.S.R., Armenia was among the first
of the former Soviet republics to embrace the path of democratic
change in pursuit of freedom and self-determination. However, the
road to independence was not easy. Centuries of foreign domination,
genocide against its people in the early 20th century and seven
decades of totalitarian dictatorship did not discourage the
Armenian people.
Since its independence, Armenia has emerged as a viable, vibrant
society playing an important role in stabilizing the South Caucasus
region. Armenia continues to be a trusted partner of the United
States in a strategically important area of the world, a regional
leader in political and economic reform, and a nation committed to
the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
Armenia has joined the global war on terror by engaging in a
strategic relationship with the United States and other coalition
members. Armenia’s armed forces also participated in NATO’s
stabilization force in Kosovo, in addition to maintaining and
developing a robust program of individual partnership with the
North Atlantic Alliance through its Euro-Atlantic Partnership
framework.
Armenia also has made tremendous progress in building up a free-
market economy. It is one of only a handful of countries to have
qualified for the Millennium Challenge Account, is a member of the
World Trade Organization and has been granted Permanent Normal
Trade Relations status by the United States.
Mr. Speaker, Armenia has overcome a brutal legacy of Ottoman
persecution, Soviet oppression, Azerbaijani aggression against
Nagorno Karabagh, and the ongoing dual blockades by Turkey and its
allies in Baku in its path to independence. I urge my colleagues to
join me in expressing congratulations to Armenia as well as extend
my sincere support and encouragement to flourish as a strong
democracy for years to come.
——————————————- ———————
Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to
commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia’s
declaration of independence from the Soviet Union.
On September 21, 1991, one of the world’s oldest and most
historically significant civilizations was able to re-establish
their place among the autonomous nations of the world by declaring
its independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The
founding of the Republic of Armenia was an historic event that
exemplifies the strength and perseverance of a people in pursuit of
freedom and self-determination through democracy.
Armenia’s road to independence was not easy. Enduring centuries of
foreign domination, the genocide against its people in the early
20th century, and suffering through seven decades of totalitarian
dictatorship did not discourage the Armenian people. In the face of
oppression, the Armenian people never wavered in their pursuit to
secure freedom and a democratic nation of their own.
Since its independence, Armenia has emerged as a viable, vibrant
society and has played an important role in stabilizing the South
Caucasus region. Armenia continues to be a trusted partner of the
United States in a strategically important area of the world, a
regional leader in political and economic reform, and a nation
committed to the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
Mr. Speaker, today, on the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s
independence, I rise to celebrate the determination of a people who
refused to relent in their quest for freedom.
—————————————- ————————
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA): Mr. Speaker, today marks the 15th
anniversary of the reestablishment of the independence of the
Republic of Armenia . On behalf of the tens of thousands of Armenia
Americans in my district, the largest Armenia community outside of
Armenia , "Oorakh Angakhootyan Or," congratulations to the people
of Armenia on a decade and a half of freedom.
Building upon the foundations of the first Armenian Republic of
1918, today’s Armenia has, in the years since it declared its
independence from the disintegrating Soviet Union in 1991,
strengthened democracy and the rule of law, promoted free-market
reforms, and sought a just and lasting peace in a troubled region.
With America’s help, Armenia is overcoming the brutal legacy of
Ottoman persecution, Soviet oppression, Azerbaijani aggression
against Karabagh, and the ongoing dual blockades by Turkey and its
allies in Baku.
Recognizing this progress, John Evans, the former U.S. Ambassador,
said in 2004, that “Armenia now has well-founded hopes for a
prosperous and democratic future.”
I am proud of the role that the United States Congress has played
in strengthening the enduring bond between the American and
Armenian peoples. This special relationship is rooted in our shared
values and experiences over the course of more than a century.
Among these shared values are a commitment to democracy, tolerance,
religious freedom, human rights and the peaceful resolution of
conflicts.
In the 1890s, Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross,
traveled to Armenia to help the Armenian victims of massacres being
perpetrated by the Ottoman Turkish Government.
In 1915, as the Ottoman Empire began its campaign of genocide
against the Armenian people, the U.S. Ambassador to Constantinople,
Henry Morgenthau, documented and, at the risk of his own career,
protested the ongoing massacres, death marches and other
barbarities.
Later, President Woodrow Wilson led the formation of the Near East
Relief Foundation to help the survivors of the Armenian genocide,
and spearheaded the international efforts to secure justice for the
Armenian people and to support the first Republic of Armenia.
Later, after the short-lived Republic of Armenia was annexed by the
Soviet Union, Armenians here in America and around the world were
key allies in our decades-long struggle against the Soviet threat
to freedom. This cooperation contributed to bringing an end to the
Soviet Union, to the rebirth of an independent Armenia, and to the
democracy movement and self-determination of Karabagh.
Armenia has made tremendous progress in building up a free-market-
oriented economy over the past decade and a half. According to the
Heritage Foundation/Wall Street Journal Index of Economic Freedom,
Armenia is consistently ranked as a free economy, and is currently
the 27th freest in the index’s 2006 rankings.
Recognizing this, the United States has named Armenia as one of
only a handful of countries to have qualified for assistance
through the Millennium Challenge Account, a program which targets
development assistance to countries that rule justly, invest in
their people and encourage economic freedom.
Armenia has also sought to integrate itself in the world economy as
a member of the World Trade Organization, and I was pleased to join
many of my colleagues in working to extend the Permanent Normal
Trade Relations status to Armenia.
Armenia’s economic accomplishments are more extraordinary when you
factor in the crippling and illegal economic blockades imposed by
Turkey and Azerbaijan. The blockades cost Armenia an estimated $720
million a year and have forced more than 800,000 Armenians, close
to a quarter of Armenia’s population, to leave their homeland over
the past decade.
The biggest challenge Armenia faces is the hostility of its
neighbors. While the primary threat from Turkey is economic and
diplomatic, Azerbaijan has been far more bellicose. Both Armenia
and Nagorno Karabagh have demonstrated their commitment to a
peaceful resolution of the Karabagh conflict through the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. In contrast,
Azerbaijan has taken reckless steps that have contributed to
instability in a region of strategic and economic importance.
Armenia’s Soviet past and the economic and security challenges it
faces have impeded the country’s progress towards full democracy
and the rule of law. Those of us who care deeply about Armenia and
the Armenian people must continue to help Armenia to perfect its
institutions and expand the rule of law.
Mr. Speaker, nobody knows the need for broad engagement with
Armenia more than the Armenian-American community, which has strong
ties to its ancestral homeland. Armenian Americans have made
contributions to every aspect of American life. From investor Kirk
Kerkorian to Ray Damadian, inventor of Magnetic Resonance Imaging,
to the multiplatinum rock band System of a Down, Armenian-Americans
have enriched our Nation. They are also committed to contributing
to an ever brighter future for Armenia . I have been privileged to
work with many of the community on ending this government’s tragic
failure to recognize the Armenian genocide, on ending the Turkish
and Azerbaijani economic blockade, on securing aid to Armenia , and
securing permanent normal trade relations with Armenia .
Armenia has come a long way in 15 short years, and I look forward
to much more progress in the years ahead.
—————————————— ———————-
George Radanovich (R-CA): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate
and honor the nation of Armenia and all people of Armenian descent.
Today marks the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, and is
a proud day for the people of a country that has struggled for so
long and succeeded so greatly.
The mass killing of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire was
the first genocide of the 20th century. I am proud that the United
States stood by as an ally to Armenia at that time and has
continued to do so throughout the last century. During the cold
war, the United States championed the rights of the Armenian people
to be independent, and was one of the first countries to recognize
that independence in 1991.
As one of the first countries in post Soviet Union Europe to
embrace the ideals of freedom and democracy, Armenia has taken
great strides down the path of democratic change and development.
All of this has been done in the shadow of the great adversity that
these proud people have endured. Over the last fifteen years the
Armenians have proven their commitment to democratic values and a
secure and stable Caspian region.
My district in California is home to thousands of Armenians who I
am grateful to have worked with and become friends with during my
time in Congress. They, and all Armenian people, deserve our most
heartfelt congratulations on this momentous anniversary.
———————————— —————————-
Edward Markey (D-MA): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and
celebrate the 15th anniversary of the independence of the Republic
of Armenia. Today, we congratulate and pay tribute to the citizens
of Armenia, as well as people of Armenian descent in the United
States and around the globe on this important anniversary of their
independence from the former Soviet Union.
Since its independence in 1991, the Republic of Armenia has been a
trusted and valuable friend of the United States in the
strategically important South Caucuses region. During that time,
the United States and Armenia have developed a strong relationship
based on shared democratic values.
Throughout their history, the Armenian people have persevered over
unspeakable tragedy and hardship. Despite oppression, occupation
and the genocide committed against the Armenian people, the unique
Armenian culture, heritage and values have flourished.
However, Armenia still faces significant obstacles. It is
surrounded by hostile neighbors who have erected blockades to
prevent the flow of key resources into Armenia, hindering its
ability to develop economically. Despite these difficulties,
Armenia’s economy has continued to grow at an impressive pace. The
United States must continue to provide economic and military
assistance and do everything in its power to end these blockades so
that Armenia’s economy can continue to grow and its young democracy
can thrive.
I join my colleagues in the House of Representatives today in
commemorating Armenia’s independence. I look forward to the bonds
of friendship between the United States and Armenia becoming even
stronger in the coming years and I wish all Armenian people well on
this day.
——————————————– ——————–
Rep. John Conyers (D-MI): Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and
recognize the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s independence. Armenia’s
independence was first recognized on September 21, 1991, marking it
as one of the first nations to declare its independence from the
former Soviet Union. Building upon the foundations of the first
Armenian Republic of 1918, today’s Armenian Government has, in the
years since independence, strengthened democracy and the rule of
law, promoted free-market reforms, and sought a just and lasting
peace in the region.
Since declaring independence from the former Soviet Union, Armenia
emerged from its Soviet-styled centrally planned economy, based on
industry and highly dependent on outside resources, to an economy
developing and relying on new sectors, such as precious stone
processing and jewelry making, information and communication
technology, and even tourism.
With its steady economic progress, Armenia has rightfully earned
increasing support from international institutions. As the 2005
Transparency International Corruption Perception Index chart, where
Armenia ranked 88th out of 158th, shows, Armenia has earned this
support. Furthermore, according to the 2005 U.N. Human Development
Report, Armenia has a Human Development Index of 83 out of 177, and
ranks the highest among the Transcaucasian republics. Finally, in
recognizing the country’s continuing efforts to move away from its
Soviet past, it cannot be overlooked that in this year’s Index of
Economic Freedom, Armenia ranked 27th best, tied with Japan and
ahead of countries like Norway, Spain, Portugal and Italy. The rank
puts Armenia in the category of “Mostly Free” countries, making
it the most economically free state in the Commonwealth of
Independent States.
No recognition of Armenia would be complete without acknowledging
the fantastic contributions of the Armenian diaspora living here in
America. It is estimated that the Armenian community in the United
States numbers in the hundreds of thousands and represents the
largest Armenian community in the world outside Armenia. In
Michigan, my hometown of Detroit was itself one of the great
historical centers where Armenians set down roots after they came
to our great Nation. Armenian-Americans have also made
contributions to every aspect of American life. Among the most
notable have been William Saroyan, Academy Award and Pulitzer Prize
winning author; Howard Kazanjian, producer of Star Wars and Raiders
of the Lost Ark; Raffi, children’s singer and songwriter; System of
a Down, multi-platinum alternative/metal group; Steve Zallian,
Academy Award winning screenwriter of Schindler’s List; Ray
Damadian, inventor of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and, of
course, Andre Agassi, professional tennis player.
However, our relationship with Armenia has certainly been by no
means a one-way street. Our Nation’s Armenian diaspora has provided
the greatest number of high ranking officials in the new republic:
the young Minister of Foreign Affairs, Raffi Hovannisian, a lawyer
and political scientist, whose father, Richard, professor of
Armenian history at UCLA, is the foremost authority on the first
republic; the minister of energy, Sebuh Tashjian, also from Los
Angeles; Jirair Libaridian, historian and former director of the
Zoryan Institute, who is a personal advisor to President Levon Ter
Petrosian; and Mathew Der Manuelian, a Boston lawyer with a high
post in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
I’ll conclude my statement by wishing Armenia and Armenian-
Americans a happy independence day.
——————————————– ——————–
Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ): Mr. Speaker, today marks the 15th
anniversary of the independence of Armenia . On this day in 1991,
Armenia was finally given the opportunity for self-rule for the
first time in centuries. After suffering under harsh rule of the
Turks, who attempted to slaughter them, and then the Soviets, who
imprisoned them and persecuted them for their Christian beliefs,
Armenia is now heading for a bright future filled with liberty and
economic growth.
After decades of stagnation under the failed communist economic
system, Armenia now ranks as the 27th most economically free nation
in the world. A member of the World Trade Organization, Armenia is
working through the World Bank and International Monetary Fund to
grow its economy. I have strong faith that Armenia will continue to
grow despite the harsh embargoes of its neighbors in Georgia and
Turkey.
Armenia is justifiably proud of its deep cultural roots that go
back to the dawn of recorded civilization. Ninety-nine percent of
Armenians are literate and they have preserved both a distinct
language and alphabet. Located in the shadow of the famed Mt.
Ararat, Armenia’s growing tourist industry prides itself on the
nation’s fascinating history.
Armenian-Americans are contributing to the development of their
homeland by investing and promoting the nation on the international
stage. Today is a great day for them and their homeland. I
congratulate Armenia on 15 years of freedom and progress and trust
that our nations will grow even closer in the future as we seek to
promote liberty around the world.
—————————————— ———————-
Rep. Howard Buck McKeon (R-CA): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to
recognize the Republic of Armenia on the occasion of the 15th
anniversary of their independence from the Soviet Union.
Since September 21, 1991, Armenia has faced the daunting challenge
of building a modern free market economy on the crumbling
foundations of Communism. In spite of the situation as they
inherited it, Armenia’s story has been one of increasing success
against long odds. As a member of the World Trade Organization, and
a country committed to privatizing their economy, Armenia has seen
positive economic growth rates since 1995. While there remains much
work to be done, I am confident that the people of Armenia, with
their long history of triumph over adversity, will succeed again in
making their country a beacon of hope in its troubled part of the
world.
Throughout their history, the Armenian people have proven both
their desire and determination to be free. I am proud to join my
colleagues in acknowledging the anniversary of independence for the
free government of the Armenian people who have been ruled by the
Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, Ottoman empires as well as the
Soviet Union.
On this important occasion, I extend my congratulations to the
people and government of Armenia.
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