[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 112 (Friday, August 12, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 12, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
   WELCOMING PRESIDENT LEVON TER-PETROSSIAN OF ARMENIA TO THE UNITED 
                                 STATES

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, I rise today to welcome President Levon 
Ter-Petrossian of Armenia to the United States. I feel greatly honored, 
as I am sure my colleagues do, that we had the opportunity to meet with 
President Ter-Petrossian and discuss the current status of Armenia-
United States relations.
  Since his election in October 1991, the first democratic presidential 
election in the Republic of Armenia, President Ter-Petrossian has 
worked to establish friendly and close diplomatic and economic ties 
with many other countries. His success in diplomacy can be proved by 
the fact that more than 120 countries, including the United States, 
have formally recognized Armenia, and over 70 have established 
diplomatic relations with Armenia. In fact, an Armenian Embassy already 
has opened here in Washington, DC.
  Furthermore, it is to the credit of President Ter-Petrossian that 
through the efforts of his administration, Armenia has become an active 
participant in global issues and concerns and has become a member of 
prominent international organizations. Some of those organizations 
include the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the 
Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, the World Bank, and 
the International Monetary Fund.
  President Ter-Petrossian is an extremely well-educated individual 
with a clearly defined sense of purpose, even though he faced strong 
opposition from outside during the pre-independence days of Armenia. 
After he led the Armenian Legislature to unanimously adopt its 
Declaration of Independence, the United States was one of the first 
nations to recognize Armenia's Independence. Consequently, good ties 
with the United States are a top priority on Armenia's foreign policy 
agenda. Much progress has been made on that front. Bilateral agreements 
have been signed--strengthening relations between our two countries.
  On August 9, 1994, President Ter-Petrossian and President Clinton met 
for the first time. Such a meeting holds great significance, because it 
emphasizes President Ter-Petrossian's commitment to promoting greater 
understanding and cooperation between the world's leading democracy and 
Armenia, one of the newest democracies. Once again, I would like to 
extend a most vigorous welcome to President Ter-Petrossian as he 
continues to meet with various U.S. officials. I offer my best wishes 
for the continued success in Armenia's transition to a market-oriented, 
democratic state.
  Mr. LOTT. I ask unanimous consent to proceed for 15 minutes as in 
morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. FORD. I might say to the Senator we are in morning business and 
he has up to 15 minutes now.
  Mrs. BOXER. Will the Senator yield for a question on time?
  Mr. LOTT. Madam President, I would be delighted to yield to the 
Senator from California.
  Mrs. BOXER. I would ask the distinguished majority whip if he can 
tell me how much time is set aside for morning business?
  Mr. FORD. It is indefinite until we bring up the bill.
  How much time would the distinguished Senator from California need?
  Mrs. BOXER. I request 15 minutes.
  Mr. LOTT. Madam President, I yield to the Senator from Kentucky for 
another question.
  Mr. FORD. I apologize. With the yielding of the Senator from 
Mississippi, I ask unanimous consent the Senator from Mississippi have 
15 minutes, and following the distinguished Senator, the Senator from 
California have 15 minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The Senator from Mississippi is recognized for 15 minutes.

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