[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 19]
[Senate]
[Page 27542]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                                ARMENIA

  Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise to express my regret over the tragic 
situation in Armenia. As we all know, a few days ago gunmen broke into 
their Parliament and killed the Prime Minister and several other 
officials of the Armenian Government. Later today Senator Abraham will 
introduce a resolution which will express our condolences to the people 
of Armenia and our expression of support for their continued struggle 
to create a viable and strong democratic tradition in their country.
  As I said, late yesterday afternoon in Yerevan, the capital of 
Armenia, several gunmen broke into their Parliament and killed eight 
Government officials and wounded seven others. They then held hostages 
for 24 hours, and only after the intercession of the President of 
Armenia in negotiations did they relent, release the hostages, and then 
surrender to the authorities.
  Among those killed were Prime Minister Vazgen Sarkisian, Parliament 
speaker Karen Demirchian, deputy speakers Yuri Bakhshian and Ruben 
Miroian, Energy Minister Leonard Petrosian, senior economic official 
Mikhail Kotanian and lawmakers Genrikh Abramian and Armenak Armenakian. 
These gentlemen gave their lives as they were pursuing a democratic 
future for the people of Armenia.
  It appears the gunmen were not part of any larger conspiracy. They 
were family members who were bent on a path of individual retribution 
and revenge. But the tragic incident reminds us of the fragility of 
constitutional government and democracy around the world, particularly 
in Armenia.
  Armenia declared its independence in September of 1991. It has been 
struggling to ensure a free and fair electoral process. Today, 
Armenians continue to be determined to ensure democracy will be the 
rule in their country. I had the occasion to travel there two years 
ago.
  We all know one of the great points of friction in the area is the 
area of Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnically Armenian territory which was 
controlled for years by Azerbaijan. Recently, we have seen progress. 
Indeed, the Prime Minister was one of the key figures in forging a 
dialogue between the Government of Azerbaijan and the Government of 
Armenia. His tragic loss, I hope, is not a setback for that process.
  Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott had just left Armenia in his 
efforts to try to prompt further discussions between Azerbaijan and 
Armenia. He has now returned there to ensure it is clear to the 
Government and people of Armenia that America will stand with them.
  Today is an opportunity to send our message of support, our message 
of condolence; also, our message of further support for the people of 
Armenia as they confront the challenges of democracy.
  I join my colleague, Senator Abraham, and others supporting this 
legislation to, once again, signal to the world and the people of 
Armenia that we stand with them in this time of tragedy, and will in 
the future on more hopeful days.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Texas.

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