[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 50 (Thursday, April 24, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3695-S3696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             THE 82ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

 Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I rise to join my colleagues in 
commemorating the 82nd anniversary of the Armenian genocide, the first 
such tragedy to occur in the twentieth century. Today, as we renew our 
commitment to the rights and freedoms of all humanity, we also 
celebrate the reemergence of an independent Armenia.
  It is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Armenian people 
that, after centuries of oppression, they have persevered and re-
established a free

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and independent nation--a nation as determined as its citizens. In its 
short existence, the Republic of Armenia has survived the earthquake of 
1988, the dissolution of the Soviet Union and a blockade by its 
neighbors. Truly, the spirit of the nation reflects the spirit of its 
people.
  Despite these hardships, the young republic has made economic 
progress. As the first of the former Soviet republics to record 
economic growth, Armenia has kept inflation under control and made 
great advances toward privatization. Now, it is incumbent upon nations 
like the United States to continue our policy of engagement and 
assistance, as Armenia continues its efforts toward establishing a 
democratic society.
  The United States has also benefitted from a strong Armenian 
presence. With their firm resolve and dedication to democracy, the more 
than one million Armenian Americans have made significant contributions 
to the cultural, political and economic life of this nation. At the 
same time, by preserving their Armenian faith and traditions, they have 
achieved a balance that enriches our diverse and vital American 
culture.
  The tragic events of 1915-1923 contain in them some important moral 
lessons. We now realize that a quick and decisive response by the 
international community might have prevented the persecution and death 
of more than 1.5 million Armenians. Unfortunately, the world's 
indifference to their plight not only sealed the futures of the 
Armenian victims, but paved the way for similar tragedies in the years 
that followed.
  It is imperative, Mr. President, that no nation or individual ever 
forgets the injustices suffered by the Armenians in 1915. Only by 
striving for human rights and civil liberties for all people can the 
promises of human dignity be achieved. In that regard, the highest 
honor we can accord the heroic Armenian people is to continue the 
struggle for freedom wherever we are, be it America, Armenia, or 
anywhere else across the globe. By pursuing that mission, hopefully we 
can prevent such tragedies from happening again.

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