[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 150 (Friday, October 29, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S13567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 63--CONDEMNING THE ASSASSINATION OF 
  ARMENIAN PRIME MINISTER VAZGEN SARGSIAN AND OTHER OFFICIALS OF THE 
    ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT AND EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE CONGRESS IN 
  MOURNING THIS TRAGIC LOSS OF THE DULY ELECTED LEADERSHIP OF ARMENIA

  Mr. ABRAHAM (for himself, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Torricelli, Mr. Allard, 
Mr. Reed, Mr. Bennett, Ms. Collins, Mr. Fitzgerald, Mr. Enzi, Mr. 
Kerry, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Warner, Mr. Edwards, and Mr. Lieberman) 
submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on Foreign Relations:

                            S. Con. Res. 63

       Whereas on October 27, 1999, several armed individuals 
     broke into Armenia's Parliament and assassinated the Prime 
     Minister of Armenia, Vazgen Sargsian, the Chairman of the 
     Armenian Parliament, Karen Demirchian, the Deputy Chairman of 
     the Armenian Parliament, Yuri Bakhshian, the Minister of 
     Operative Issues, Leonard Petrossian, and other members of 
     the Armenian Government;
       Whereas Armenia is working toward democracy, the rule of 
     law, and a viable free market economy since obtaining its 
     freedom from Soviet rule in 1991; and
       Whereas all nations of the world mourn the loss suffered by 
     Armenia on October 27, 1999: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That the Congress--
       (1) deplores the slaying of the Prime Minister of Armenia, 
     Vazgen Sargsian, the Chairman of the Armenian Parliament, 
     Karen Demirchian, the Deputy Chairman of the Armenian 
     Parliament, Yuri Bakhshian, the Minister of Operative Issues, 
     Leonard Petrossian, and other members of the Armenian 
     Government struck down in this violent attack;
       (2) strongly shares the determination of the Armenian 
     people that the perpetrators of these vile acts will be 
     swiftly brought to justice so that Armenia may demonstrate 
     its resolute opposition to acts of terror;
       (3) commends the efforts of the late Prime Minister and the 
     Armenian Government for their commitment to democracy, the 
     rule of law, and for supporting free market movements 
     internationally; and
       (4) continues to cherish the strong friendship between 
     Armenia and the United States.

  Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to express my deepest 
condolences to the family of the slain Prime Minister of Armenia, 
Vazgen Sargsian, and the other assassinated leaders of the Armenian 
Parliament who were tragically killed in the brutal attack on the 
Armenian Parliament on October 27, 1999. My thoughts and prayers are 
also with the people of Armenia and the Armenian community around the 
world and in the United States.
  The tragic turn of events that took place earlier this week should 
not be viewed as an impediment to the on-going positive trends the 
world has seen in Armenia. Indeed, Armenia has proven its commitment to 
a democratic future in its recent elections which were deemed free and 
fair by international election monitors. They have also made 
substantial progress on the peace process regarding Nagorno Karabakh.
  The United States is enjoying a growing and mutually beneficial 
relationship with Armenia. Our focus should be on our continued support 
of the Armenian people. We must not allow the recent terrorist activity 
to eschew our dedication in helping Armenia achieve the highest form of 
freedom, liberty, and opportunity. To reaffirm our commitment to the 
progress embodied by the fallen Armenian patriots not only should be 
our goal, but our duty as a global leader.
  For this reason, I ask to submit a resolution that condemns the 
terrorist activities that took the lives of the Armenian Prime 
Minister, Vazgen Sargsian, and other leaders of the Armenian 
Parliament, and pledges continued alliance between our two countries. 
Our thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of those 
affected by this tragedy, and we send our hope that those who 
perpetrated this horrible act will be brought to justice.
  Mr. President, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

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