[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22317]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


       LAUDING TURKEY AND ARMENIA FOR STEPS TOWARD NORMALIZATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 22, 2009

  Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, the Republics of Turkey and Armenia took 
a major step forward in August moving closer to normalizing diplomatic 
relations and developing productive bilateral relations. Such a step 
chips away at the past tension between the two nations.
  The protocols agreed to by the two parties will ultimately lead to 
the opening of the border between the two countries. This will not only 
ease tensions between Armenia and Turkey but will also enhance 
stability in the region. These protocols also established a timetable 
and process for normalizing relations. As a Co-Chair of the 
Congressional Caucus on Turkey, I support the statements by the 
international community such as the NATO Secretary General and the U.S. 
Department of State in welcoming improvements in Turkey-Armenia 
relations.
  These efforts are a tremendous step in the proper direction, but 
there are still further steps to come. I encourage the two governments 
to move forward with their internal consultations and parliamentary 
ratifications of the protocols as quickly as possible, so that a new 
chapter in the Turkish-Armenia bilateral relationship can begin to 
unfold. This is an historic change that will benefit both nations, and 
the United States wholeheartedly supports these actions.

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