[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 13217]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF ARMENIA

  Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, today we recognize the 25th anniversary of 
Armenia's independence. On this day each year, we come together to 
celebrate the strength and indomitable spirit of the Armenian people.
  For the last 25 years, Armenia has been a key friend and trusted ally 
of the United States. It is an alliance between our two nations that 
will only continue to deepen in the years ahead.
  Armenia has come a long way to free itself from terror and tyranny--
from the Soviet Union and from the horrors of genocide. This journey 
continues today, with our shared responsibility to ensure that the 
Armenian people are able to build their own independent and prosperous 
future. It is our duty to continue to stand with Armenia and with all 
Armenian people around the globe as they continue this fight.
  We must keep pushing for truth and never allow the forces of denial 
to succeed in suppressing our collective memory. We have a 
responsibility to ensure that the evil that was perpetrated upon the 
Armenian people is never concealed nor denied. We must heed the words 
of Pope Francis that it is our duty to continue to honor the memory of 
those Armenians who perished in the Armenian genocide.
  I am proud to stand with my colleagues in the Senate to commemorate 
Armenia's independence and continue to support the Armenian people.

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