[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 20, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S9777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I take this opportunity to recognize and 
celebrate the important milestone of the 15th anniversary of Armenian 
independence.
  Armenia has a rich history which spans more than 3000 years. 
Considered one of the cradles of civilization, Armenia was the first 
country in the world to officially adopt Christianity as its religion. 
The Armenian alphabet and language have helped ensure the continuation 
of a vibrant Armenian culture, despite great odds and numerous attempts 
to destroy the Armenian nation and the Armenian people.
  I was honored to witness the resiliency, courage, and spirit of the 
Armenian people when I visited Armenia as a Member of Congress in 1991, 
in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. During that trip, my 
commitment to recognizing the Armenian genocide was further 
strengthened.
  In 1915, the Ottoman Turks attempted to annihilate the Armenian 
people in a brutal genocide. To this day, the Turkish Government 
refuses to acknowledge the atrocities for what they were--a systematic 
genocide. Not only were the Armenian people able to survive the 
genocide, but they kept their small nation alive. It was a great 
victory when the first Republic of Armenia was formed in 1918 following 
the Armenian genocide. But again, Armenia faced dissolution when it was 
taken over by the Soviet Union in 1920; the short-lived independence of 
Armenia ended when it became a Soviet Republic in the USSR.
  Again, the Armenian people persevered despite their loss of 
independence and despite more devastation. In 1988, disaster hit when 
an earthquake rocked Armenia, killing approximately 50,000 people and 
leaving more than half a million people homeless.
  Then, on September 23, 1991, Armenia declared its independence from 
the Soviet Union and formed the second Republic of Armenia. This was a 
rebirth of the independent state of Armenia and an historic moment for 
an oppressed country. It was a cause for celebration for Armenians 
around the world.
  I am proud that the United States helped the newly independent 
Armenian nation during its transition to democracy. In December, 1991, 
the United States formally recognized the independence of Armenia, and 
the two countries established diplomatic relations with embassies in 
each country in January 1992.
  But more remains to be done. This 15th anniversary offers an 
opportunity to celebrate the United States' relationship with Armenia 
and to renew our commitment to this country and our calls for Armenian 
genocide recognition.
  Following September 11, 2001, Armenia was one of the first countries 
to respond with assistance to the United States. Armenia provided 
embassy protection and clearance for U.S. flight, shared intelligence, 
and froze bank accounts. The U.S. friendship with Armenia remains 
critical in our fight against terrorism. The United States must never 
forget Armenia's help and must do all it can to help this independent, 
democratic nation prosper.
  On this milestone 15th anniversary, I am honored to recognize 
Armenian independence. I pledge to do all I can to assist Armenia and 
my Armenian-American constituents in California.

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