[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 119 (Thursday, September 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1810]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR OF 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIA'S INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2006

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate and honor 
the nation of Armenia and all people of Armenian descent. Today marks 
the 15th anniversary of Armenia's independence, and is a proud day for 
the people of a country that has struggled for so long and succeeded so 
greatly.
  The mass killing of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire was 
the first genocide of the 20th century. I am proud that the United 
States stood by as an ally to Armenia at that time and has continued to 
do so throughout the last century. During the cold war, the United 
States championed the rights of the Armenian people to be independent, 
and was one of the first countries to recognize that independence in 
1991.
  As one of the first countries in post Soviet Union Europe to embrace 
the ideals of freedom and democracy, Armenia has taken great strides 
down the path of democratic change and development. All of this has 
been done in the shadow of the great adversity that these proud people 
have endured. Over the last fifteen years the Armenians have proven 
their commitment to democratic values and a secure and stable Caspian 
region.
  My district in California is home to thousands of Armenians who I am 
grateful to have worked with and become friends with during my time in 
Congress. They, and all Armenian people, deserve our most heartfelt 
congratulations on this momentous anniversary.

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