[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20011]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



         HONORING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ERIC CANTOR

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 16, 2001

  Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, recently, Armenia celebrated its 10th 
anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union. This anniversary 
reminds us of the strong bond that the people of the United States and 
Armenia share. As we grieve for the victims of the terrorist attacks on 
September 11, so do the Armenian people. The Armenian people have 
expressed their solidarity with the American people. Armenian President 
Robert Kocharian has offered rescue aid to help in the recovery 
efforts. Moreover, Armenia has joined with the United States and the 
world in the fight against terrorism.
  Earlier this year in a House Resolution, I joined with the people of 
Armenia, the Armenian Church in America, and His Holiness Karekin II in 
celebrating the ideals and values they share with the people of the 
United States. These values are essential to the continued stability 
and economic prosperity in the region. In a letter to President 
Kocharian of Armenia, President George W. Bush echoed these ideals. 
President Bush states, ``our countries continue to work together to 
achieve our common goal of establishing peace and stability and seeing 
Armenia prosper. Peace in this region will provide Armenia with great 
opportunities to ensure the economic prosperity and security of future 
generations.''
  Traces of Armenian heritage are evident in the United States and 
worldwide. Throughout the United States, and in my state of Virginia, 
there are multiple monuments, towns, and mountains celebrating Armenian 
heritage. One of Virginia's own search and rescue teams aided the 
Armenian people during the unfortunate earthquake of 1988.
  The close bonds between Armenia and the United States are constantly 
being strengthened. I am confident that the people of Armenia and 
America will flourish together in the spirit of freedom and democracy.

                          ____________________