[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 23 (Monday, March 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATING THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA CONSULATE 
                         GENERAL IN LOS ANGELES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES E. ROGAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 6, 2000

  Mr. ROGAN. Mr. Speaker, representing the Republic of Armenia proudly 
in the western United States is the Consulate General, in Los Angeles--
not far from my home district.
  In honor of the consulate's fifth anniversary in Los Angeles, I ask 
my colleagues here today to join me in saluting not just this 
accomplishment, but the freedom this nation has cherished for nearly a 
decade.
  There is indeed a freedom in Armenia to which I can attest. Not long 
ago, I spent nearly a week in Armenia. And I am proud to say that the 
spirit of democracy we hold so dear in the United States has taken an 
equally deep root in the Republic of Armenia.
  Despite cultural and political annihilation at the hands of the 
Ottoman Turks, the Armenian people today thrive at home and abroad. 
Armenian-Americans have contributed greatly to our community while 
maintaining a strong cultural heritage. I am especially proud to claim 
the same home district as the largest population of Armenians in 
America.
  Representing this community, and the Republic is the Consulate 
General in Los Angeles. The professional staff in this office is 
responsible for consular and diplomatic affairs--acting as liaison 
between the Republic and governments at the local, state, and national 
level. Their efforts guarantee that Armenia will continue to thrive: 
leading the region in the growth of industry, education, the arts and 
technology.
  Mr. Speaker, five short years ago, the Republic of Armenia 
established a diplomatic foundation in Los Angeles, reaching out to the 
surrounding Armenian-American community and the public. This work was 
led by the Honorable Armen Baibourtian who is now serving as the Deputy 
Foreign Minister in Yerevan, the Armenian Capital. His successor, The 
Honorable Armen Melkonian is following in this tradition, proudly 
representing the Republic of Armenia in the United States. I am proud 
not just to call these two leaders colleagues, but to call them 
friends.
  I ask my colleagues here today to join me along with the Armenian-
American community in celebration of the Consulate General's fifth 
anniversary in Los Angeles, and in tribute to Armenia's decade of 
freedom. Let us work to keep the light of freedom lit in Armenia and 
around the globe.

                          ____________________