[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 132 (Wednesday, September 24, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1881]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    12TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NAGORNO KARABAGH REPUBLIC'S INDEPENDENCE

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 24, 2003

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 12th 
anniversary of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic's independence from the 
Soviet Union.
  In 1991, the world underwent dramatic changes as communism was 
finally overthrown in the Soviet Union and millions of people got their 
first tastes of democracy. The autumn of that historic year saw many of 
the former Soviet Republics declare their independence and begin the 
process of self-governance.
  Armenia has made amazing progress in rebuilding a society and a 
nation in the face of dramatic obstacles. The United States must 
continue to support Armenia's commitment to democracy, the rule of law, 
and a market economy, and I am proud to stand with Armenia in so doing. 
While we should look forward to the future, we must never forget the 
struggles of the Armenian people throughout their history.
  I look forward to the strengthening of the diplomatic and economic 
ties between the United States and Armenia so that the people of both 
nations can forge an alliance that will never be broken. I offer my 
sincerest congratulations to Armenia on the anniversary of its 
independence.

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