[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 170 (Tuesday, November 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TWO NEIGHBORS COME TOGETHER

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                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 17, 2009

  Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, for almost two decades, the Republics of 
Turkey and Armenia have been meeting to discuss a pathway for 
normalization of relations. These diplomatic discussions were not easy 
and often involved complicated multi-dimensional implications. However, 
on October 10th, the two neighbors signed a historic rapprochement, a 
ceremony which was followed around the globe.
  In the two protocols signed, the two nations agreed to establish 
diplomatic relations, normalize their bilateral relations in all 
aspects, open their border and create a framework to determine their 
joint history. This agreement would not only bring stability to the 
region, it will also provide an example for other nations to come 
together to resolve their past disputes.
  At their signing ceremony, the Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers 
were joined by foreign dignitaries from the United States, France, 
Switzerland, Russia, the European Union, and the Council of Europe. 
While each country's parliament must now ratify these protocols, we 
should acknowledge the significant progress for these two neighbors.
  The U.S. administrations of the past, as well as the current Obama 
administration, all support the diplomatic discussions between Turkey 
and Armenia. I want to commend both countries as they move this 
historic agreement through their respective parliaments.

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