[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17671]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  IN COMMEMORATION OF THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIA'S INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2001

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 10th 
anniversary of Armenia's independence from the Soviet Union. This 
anniversary marks an important turning point for Armenia and an 
opportunity to highlight the U.S.-Armenia relationship. As our country 
continues to mourn the victims of last Tuesday's tragic attacks, so too 
do the Armenian people. Armenian President Robert Kocharian expressed 
his condolences to President Bush along with an offer to send 
experienced rescue workers to help the relief efforts in New York and 
at the Pentagon. The government of Armenia also pledged to support 
America's anti-terrorist campaign.
  Since the dawn of history, Armenians have held to their land despite 
repeated occupations, oppression and genocide. They have retained their 
distinct heritage, language, culture and religion. In fact, this year 
Armenia--the first Christian nation--celebrates its 1700th anniversary 
of Christianity and as part of the celebration, the Pope will visit 
Armenia.
  On September 21, 1991, with the fall of the Soviet Union, the long 
awaited dream of an independent Armenia became a reality as the 
Armenian people held a referendum to decide their future. An 
extraordinary 94 percent of Armenia's eligible voters turned out to 
support independence. I might note that one of our colleagues, the 
gentleman from Wisconsin, Mr. Sensenbrenner, was in Armenia on this 
historic occasion.
  Although the Republic of Armenia struggles against the impact of an 
ongoing blockade by its neighbors to the east and west, which has 
devastated the economy, Armenia continues to make economic strides. 
Armenia also continues to reach out to its neighbors without 
preconditions. Unfortunately, Armenia's numerous proposals--from 
opening borders, restoration of rail and road links in the Caucasus, 
energy swaps, agreeing to the U.S. proposal to open mutual information 
centers in Turkey and Armenia among others--have all been rejected.
  I am pleased to note that some progress has been made in promoting 
improved Armenian-Turkish relations with the recent establishment of 
the Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC). The commission 
is an important step toward fostering a new era of mutual understanding 
and good will between Armenians and Turks. This commission provides a 
forum for direct dialogue to address issues that continue to divide the 
people of Armenia and Turkey.
  Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, ``the great thing in this world is 
not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.'' 
Armenia, like many other countries of the former Soviet Union, is still 
struggling to overcome many obstacles, but I believe it is headed in 
the right direction. And with the ongoing support of the United States, 
we can ensure that Armenia's young democracy will flourish. I am 
confident that the strong and natural bonds that exist between our two 
countries and peoples will continue to grow and become stronger in the 
years to come. God bless America and God Bless Armenia.

                          ____________________