[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 153 (Monday, September 25, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA FOR 26 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE 
                         FROM THE SOVIET UNION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 25, 2017

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, as Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on 
Armenian Issues, I congratulate President Sargsyan and the people of 
the Republic of Armenia on 26 years of independence from the Soviet 
Union. Since this day 26 years ago, the Armenian people have lived up 
to their pledge to create a free and strong nation, built on strong 
democratic principles and a market economy.
  This year it was a great pleasure to be in Armenia to celebrate 
Independence Day with the Armenian people. Each time I visit, I am 
greatly impressed with how far the country has come since the first 
time I visited in 1997. In the past quarter century, the Republic of 
Armenia has strengthened its democratic institutions, empowered civil 
society, and engaged in economic diversification despite difficult 
barriers created by two of its four neighbors.
  While in Armenia, I was able to have incredible conversations with 
President Sargsyan, Members of the Presidential Cabinet, and Members of 
the National Assembly. They shared with me the progress being made in 
Armenia, and reaffirmed Armenia's role as a partner in the region. 
Armenia is a strong partner, cooperating on a number of regional and 
security challenges in NATO's Partnership for Peace program.
  The Republic of Armenia has also consistently championed the right to 
self-determination of its neighbors in the Republic of Artsakh. This is 
a right that Artsakh continues to fight for in its steadfast pursuit of 
regional security and stability despite a tenuous cease fire.
  I join with the Armenian people and the Armenian-American community 
in celebrating 26 years of independence. I send my best wishes on this 
important day and pledge my continued commitment to a strong United 
States-Armenia partnership.

                          ____________________