[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 150 (Friday, October 29, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        CONDEMNING THE TERRORIST ATTACK ON ARMENIA'S PARLIAMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 28, 1999

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sympathy and 
support for the people of Armenia in the wake of yesterday's tragic 
attack on the Armenian parliament.
  Mr. Speaker, Armenia has been a model of democracy and market reform 
in the post-Soviet world. This past summer, Armenia held open and 
competitive national elections. Just this past week, it held exemplary 
local elections. Prime Minister Vazgen Sarkisian, Parliament Speaker 
Karen Demirchian, and the six other officials who were slain yesterday 
were leaders of this transition to democracy. They were also leaders in 
combating corruption, bolstering the economy, and establishing peace in 
their troubled region. Their senseless deaths present a tragic loss to 
Armenia--and to freedom and democracy worldwide.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in offering my deepest condolences to 
the Armenian people, and my strongest support to their ongoing efforts 
to bring democracy, peace, and stability to their nation.

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