[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27632]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



           ON THE DEATH OF ARMENIAN PRIME MINISTER SARKISIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 28, 1999

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my profound sorrow 
at the tragedy that has unfolded today in Armenia.
   Mr. Speaker, the transition to democracy has not been easy for the 
nations of the former Soviet Union. It is all too easy for a nation 
going through so difficult a transition to lose sight of its goal of 
building a peaceful, prosperous, democratic nation. Because in times 
that try men's souls and challenge their convictions, the forces of 
darkness, hate, violence, and demagoguery offer easy, false answers to 
the most difficult and complex problems.
  Today, Mr. Speaker, the forces of evil have struck a blow to the 
people of Armenia and their democratic government. I am saddened to 
hear of the deaths of Prime Minister Sarkisian, Speaker Demirchian, 
Finance Minister Barkudaryan, and the other officials. I pray for their 
families, and for the country they loved and served with distinction.
  The Armenian people have faced great trials and tests throughout 
their history. They have proved their resilience in the face of tragedy 
before, and I have no doubt that they will endure today's tragic 
occurrence, recognize that a madman's bullet can never put an end to a 
people's dreams, and keep moving forward on the path of peace and 
freedom.
  Armenia faces serious challenges at home and abroad. When I met Prime 
Minister Sarkisian last month, he expressed his hopes for the future of 
his nation, and his desire to tackle the problems of today. Yesterday, 
he witnessed his country hold free and fair local elections. He had 
also participated in conversations attempting to initiate the peace 
process with Azerbaijan. It is now time for others to use his life, 
beliefs, and death to motivate them to continue to build on the 
principles he embodied and the work he leaves unfinished.
   Mr. Speaker, let us all pray for the families of the victims and the 
people of Armenia. We must remember that making the transition to 
democracy is no easy task. Let us in America recommit ourselves to 
assisting Armenia and other countries making this most difficult 
transition.

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