[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19103]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               15TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIA'S INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2006

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 15th anniversary of 
Armenia's independence. I would like to congratulate the Armenian 
Government, its people and the entire extended Armenian community on 
this momentous occasion. Over the last 15 years, the Armenian people 
have made tremendous progress toward a modern, open and free democracy 
that should serve as an inspiration to other nations.
  Following the collapse of the U.S.S.R., Armenia was among the first 
of the former Soviet republics to embrace the path of democratic change 
in pursuit of freedom and self-determination. However, the road to 
independence was not easy. Centuries of foreign domination, genocide 
against its people in the early 20th century and seven decades of 
totalitarian dictatorship did not discourage the Armenian people.
  Since its independence, Armenia has emerged as a viable, vibrant 
society playing an important role in stabilizing the South Caucasus 
region. Armenia continues to be a trusted partner of the United States 
in a strategically important area of the world, a regional leader in 
political and economic reform, and a nation committed to the principles 
of democracy and the rule of law.
  Armenia has joined the global war on terror by engaging in a 
strategic relationship with the United States and other coalition 
members. Armenia's armed forces also participated in NATO's 
stabilization force in Kosovo, in addition to maintaining and 
developing a robust program of individual partnership with the North 
Atlantic Alliance through its Euro-Atlantic Partnership framework.
  Armenia also has made tremendous progress in building up a free-
market economy. It is one of only a handful of countries to have 
qualified for the Millennium Challenge Account, is a member of the 
World Trade Organization and has been granted Permanent Normal Trade 
Relations status by the United States.
  Mr. Speaker, Armenia has overcame a brutal legacy of Ottoman 
persecution, Soviet oppression, Azerbaijani aggression against Nagorno 
Karabagh, and the ongoing dual blockades by Turkey and its allies in 
Baku in its path to independence. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
expressing congratulations to Armenia as well as extend my sincere 
support and encouragement to flourish as a strong democracy for years 
to come.

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