WASHINGTON, DC – Members of the U.S. Senate and House joined with Armenian Americans last week in marking the 15th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

“We join with Armenian Americans throughout the United States in thanking our Congressional friends for marking this proud milestone in our nation’s history – the reestablishment in 1991 of the Armenia’s independence,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.

In his remarks at the recently concluded Armenia-Diaspora Conference in Yerevan, ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian stressed that, “our greatest challenges lie ahead; for the independence of the Republic represents both the realization of our shared hopes and the foundation upon which we will build a strong and healthy, free, independent and united homeland.'”

On the House side of the Capitol, Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairmen Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) urged their colleagues to participate in a series of “Special Order” speeches marking this milestone. In his remarks, Rep. Pallone noted that, “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.” Rep. Knollenberg concurred, stating that, “Armenia’s road to independence was not easy. Enduring centuries of foreign domination, the genocide against its people in the early 20th century, and suffering through seven decades of totalitarian dictatorship did not discourage the Armenian people. In the face of oppression, the Armenian people never wavered in their pursuit of freedom and a democratic nation of their own.”

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), who visited Armenia shortly before its declaration of independence, noted that, “I was honored to witness the resiliency, courage, and spirit of the Armenian people when I visited Armenia as a Member of Congress in 1991, in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. During that trip, my commitment to recognizing the Armenian genocide was further strengthened.”

Congressional Armenian Genocide resolution co-authors George Radanovich (R-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) each stressed the importance of the strong and growing bond between the U.S. and Armenia. “The mass killing of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire was the first genocide of the 20th century. I am proud that the United States stood by as an ally to Armenia at that time and has continued to do so throughout the last century,” explained Rep. Radanovich. Rep. Schiff noted that, “Building upon the foundations of the first Armenian Republic of 1918, today’s Armenia has, in the years since it declared its independence from the disintegrating Soviet Union in 1991, strengthened democracy and the rule of law, promoted free-market reforms, and sought a just and lasting peace in a troubled region.”

Citing the challenges Armenia has faced, Massachusetts Democrat Ed Markey stated that, “Despite these difficulties, Armenia’s economy has continued to grow at an impressive pace. The United States must continue to provide economic and military assistance and do everything in its power to end these blockades so that Armenia’s economy can continue to grow and its young democracy can thrive.”

Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) cited examples of Armenia’s economic development, noting that, “it cannot be overlooked that in this year’s Index of Economic Freedom, Armenia ranked 27th best, tied with Japan and ahead of countries like Norway, Spain, Portugal and Italy. The rank puts Armenia in the category of Mostly Free countries, making it the most economically free state in the Commonwealth of Independent States.”

“While there remains much work to be done, I am confident that the people of Armenia, with their long history of triumph over adversity, will succeed again in making their country a beacon of hope in its troubled part of the world,” stated California Republican Howard “Buck” McKeon. New Jersey Republican Scott Garrett concluded his remarks, noting, “I congratulate Armenia on 15 years of freedom and progress and trust that our nations will grow even closer in the future as we seek to promote liberty around the world.”

The complete texts of the Congressional remarks submitted as of September 23, 2006, are provided below.

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA): Mr. President, I take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the important milestone of the 15th anniversary of Armenian independence.

Armenia has a rich history, which spans more than 3000 years. Considered one of the cradles of civilization, Armenia was the first country in the world to officially adopt Christianity as its religion. The Armenian alphabet and language have helped ensure the continuation of a vibrant Armenian culture, despite great odds and numerous attempts to destroy the Armenian nation and the Armenian people.

I was honored to witness the resiliency, courage, and spirit of the Armenian people when I visited Armenia as a Member of Congress in 1991, in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. During that trip, my commitment to recognizing the Armenian genocide was further strengthened.

In 1915, the Ottoman Turks attempted to annihilate the Armenian people in a brutal genocide. To this day, the Turkish Government refuses to acknowledge the atrocities for what they were–a systematic genocide. Not only were the Armenian people able to survive the genocide, but they kept their small nation alive. It was a great victory when the first Republic of Armenia was formed in 1918 following the Armenian genocide. But again, Armenia faced dissolution when it was taken over by the Soviet Union in 1920; the short-lived independence of Armenia ended when it became a Soviet Republic in the USSR.

Again, the Armenian people persevered despite their loss of independence and despite more devastation. In 1988, disaster hit when an earthquake rocked Armenia, killing approximately 50,000 people and leaving more than half a million people homeless.

Then, on September 23, 1991, Armenia declared its independence from the Soviet Union and formed the second Republic of Armenia. This was a rebirth of the independent state of Armenia and an historic moment for an oppressed country. It was a cause for celebration for Armenians around the world.

I am proud that the United States helped the newly independent Armenian nation during its transition to democracy. In December, 1991, the United States formally recognized the independence of Armenia, and the two countries established diplomatic relations with embassies in each country in January 1992.

But more remains to be done. This 15th anniversary offers an opportunity to celebrate the United States’ relationship with Armenia and to renew our commitment to this country and our calls for Armenian genocide recognition.

Following September 11, 2001, Armenia was one of the first countries to respond with assistance to the United States. Armenia provided embassy protection and clearance for U.S. flight, shared intelligence, and froze bank accounts. The U.S. friendship with Armenia remains critical in our fight against terrorism. The United States must never forget Armenia’s help and must do all it can to help this independent, democratic nation prosper.

On this milestone 15th anniversary, I am honored to recognize Armenian independence. I pledge to do all I can to assist Armenia and my Armenian-American constituents in California.

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ): 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 overcome 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.

Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia’s declaration of independence from the Soviet Union.

On September 21, 1991, one of the world’s oldest and most historically significant civilizations was able to re-establish their place among the autonomous nations of the world by declaring its independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The founding of the Republic of Armenia was an historic event that exemplifies the strength and perseverance of a people in pursuit of freedom and self-determination through democracy.

Armenia’s road to independence was not easy. Enduring centuries of foreign domination, the genocide against its people in the early 20th century, and suffering through seven decades of totalitarian dictatorship did not discourage the Armenian people. In the face of oppression, the Armenian people never wavered in their pursuit to secure freedom and a democratic nation of their own.

Since its independence, Armenia has emerged as a viable, vibrant society and has played 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.

Mr. Speaker, today, on the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, I rise to celebrate the determination of a people who refused to relent in their quest for freedom.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA): Mr. Speaker, today marks the 15th anniversary of the reestablishment of the independence of the Republic of Armenia . On behalf of the tens of thousands of Armenia Americans in my district, the largest Armenia community outside of Armenia , “Oorakh Angakhootyan Or,” congratulations to the people of Armenia on a decade and a half of freedom.

Building upon the foundations of the first Armenian Republic of 1918, today’s Armenia has, in the years since it declared its independence from the disintegrating Soviet Union in 1991, strengthened democracy and the rule of law, promoted free-market reforms, and sought a just and lasting peace in a troubled region.

With America’s help, Armenia is overcoming the brutal legacy of Ottoman persecution, Soviet oppression, Azerbaijani aggression against Karabagh, and the ongoing dual blockades by Turkey and its allies in Baku.

Recognizing this progress, John Evans, the former U.S. Ambassador, said in 2004, that “Armenia now has well-founded hopes for a prosperous and democratic future.”

I am proud of the role that the United States Congress has played in strengthening the enduring bond between the American and Armenian peoples. This special relationship is rooted in our shared values and experiences over the course of more than a century. Among these shared values are a commitment to democracy, tolerance, religious freedom, human rights and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

In the 1890s, Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, traveled to Armenia to help the Armenian victims of massacres being perpetrated by the Ottoman Turkish Government.

In 1915, as the Ottoman Empire began its campaign of genocide against the Armenian people, the U.S. Ambassador to Constantinople, Henry Morgenthau, documented and, at the risk of his own career, protested the ongoing massacres, death marches and other barbarities.

Later, President Woodrow Wilson led the formation of the Near East Relief Foundation to help the survivors of the Armenian genocide, and spearheaded the international efforts to secure justice for the Armenian people and to support the first Republic of Armenia.

Later, after the short-lived Republic of Armenia was annexed by the Soviet Union, Armenians here in America and around the world were key allies in our decades-long struggle against the Soviet threat to freedom. This cooperation contributed to bringing an end to the Soviet Union, to the rebirth of an independent Armenia, and to the democracy movement and self-determination of Karabagh.

Armenia has made tremendous progress in building up a free-market-oriented economy over the past decade and a half. According to the Heritage Foundation/Wall Street Journal Index of Economic Freedom, Armenia is consistently ranked as a free economy, and is currently the 27th freest in the index’s 2006 rankings.

Recognizing this, the United States has named Armenia as one of only a handful of countries to have qualified for assistance through the Millennium Challenge Account, a program which targets development assistance to countries that rule justly, invest in their people and encourage economic freedom.

Armenia has also sought to integrate itself in the world economy as a member of the World Trade Organization, and I was pleased to join many of my colleagues in working to extend the Permanent Normal Trade Relations status to Armenia.

Armenia’s economic accomplishments are more extraordinary when you factor in the crippling and illegal economic blockades imposed by Turkey and Azerbaijan. The blockades cost Armenia an estimated $720 million a year and have forced more than 800,000 Armenians, close to a quarter of Armenia’s population, to leave their homeland over the past decade.

The biggest challenge Armenia faces is the hostility of its neighbors. While the primary threat from Turkey is economic and diplomatic, Azerbaijan has been far more bellicose. Both Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh have demonstrated their commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Karabagh conflict through the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. In contrast, Azerbaijan has taken reckless steps that have contributed to instability in a region of strategic and economic importance.

Armenia’s Soviet past and the economic and security challenges it faces have impeded the country’s progress towards full democracy and the rule of law. Those of us who care deeply about Armenia and the Armenian people must continue to help Armenia to perfect its institutions and expand the rule of law.

Mr. Speaker, nobody knows the need for broad engagement with Armenia more than the Armenian-American community, which has strong ties to its ancestral homeland. Armenian Americans have made contributions to every aspect of American life. From investor Kirk Kerkorian to Ray Damadian, inventor of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, to the multiplatinum rock band System of a Down, Armenian-Americans have enriched our Nation. They are also committed to contributing to an ever brighter future for Armenia . I have been privileged to work with many of the community on ending this government’s tragic failure to recognize the Armenian genocide, on ending the Turkish and Azerbaijani economic blockade, on securing aid to Armenia , and securing permanent normal trade relations with Armenia .

Armenia has come a long way in 15 short years, and I look forward to much more progress in the years ahead.

George Radanovich (R-CA): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate and honor the nation of Armenia and all people of Armenian descent. Today marks the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, and is a proud day for the people of a country that has struggled for so long and succeeded so greatly.

The mass killing of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire was the first genocide of the 20th century. I am proud that the United States stood by as an ally to Armenia at that time and has continued to do so throughout the last century. During the cold war, the United States championed the rights of the Armenian people to be independent, and was one of the first countries to recognize that independence in 1991.

As one of the first countries in post Soviet Union Europe to embrace the ideals of freedom and democracy, Armenia has taken great strides down the path of democratic change and development. All of this has been done in the shadow of the great adversity that these proud people have endured. Over the last fifteen years the Armenians have proven their commitment to democratic values and a secure and stable Caspian region.

My district in California is home to thousands of Armenians who I am grateful to have worked with and become friends with during my time in Congress. They, and all Armenian people, deserve our most heartfelt congratulations on this momentous anniversary.

Edward Markey (D-MA): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 15th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia. Today, we congratulate and pay tribute to the citizens of Armenia, as well as people of Armenian descent in the United States and around the globe on this important anniversary of their independence from the former Soviet Union.

Since its independence in 1991, the Republic of Armenia has been a trusted and valuable friend of the United States in the strategically important South Caucuses region. During that time, the United States and Armenia have developed a strong relationship based on shared democratic values.

Throughout their history, the Armenian people have persevered over unspeakable tragedy and hardship. Despite oppression, occupation and the genocide committed against the Armenian people, the unique Armenian culture, heritage and values have flourished.

However, Armenia still faces significant obstacles. It is surrounded by hostile neighbors who have erected blockades to prevent the flow of key resources into Armenia, hindering its ability to develop economically. Despite these difficulties, Armenia’s economy has continued to grow at an impressive pace. The United States must continue to provide economic and military assistance and do everything in its power to end these blockades so that Armenia’s economy can continue to grow and its young democracy can thrive.

I join my colleagues in the House of Representatives today in commemorating Armenia’s independence. I look forward to the bonds of friendship between the United States and Armenia becoming even stronger in the coming years and I wish all Armenian people well on this day.

Rep. John Conyers (D-MI): Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and recognize the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s independence. Armenia’s independence was first recognized on September 21, 1991, marking it as one of the first nations to declare its independence from the former Soviet Union. Building upon the foundations of the first Armenian Republic of 1918, today’s Armenian Government has, in the years since independence, strengthened democracy and the rule of law, promoted free-market reforms, and sought a just and lasting peace in the region.

Since declaring independence from the former Soviet Union, Armenia emerged from its Soviet-styled centrally planned economy, based on industry and highly dependent on outside resources, to an economy developing and relying on new sectors, such as precious stone processing and jewelry making, information and communication technology, and even tourism.

With its steady economic progress, Armenia has rightfully earned increasing support from international institutions. As the 2005 Transparency International Corruption Perception Index chart, where Armenia ranked 88th out of 158th, shows, Armenia has earned this support. Furthermore, according to the 2005 U.N. Human Development Report, Armenia has a Human Development Index of 83 out of 177, and ranks the highest among the Transcaucasian republics. Finally, in recognizing the country’s continuing efforts to move away from its Soviet past, it cannot be overlooked that in this year’s Index of Economic Freedom, Armenia ranked 27th best, tied with Japan and ahead of countries like Norway, Spain, Portugal and Italy. The rank puts Armenia in the category of “Mostly Free” countries, making it the most economically free state in the Commonwealth of Independent States.

No recognition of Armenia would be complete without acknowledging the fantastic contributions of the Armenian diaspora living here in America. It is estimated that the Armenian community in the United States numbers in the hundreds of thousands and represents the largest Armenian community in the world outside Armenia. In Michigan, my hometown of Detroit was itself one of the great historical centers where Armenians set down roots after they came to our great Nation. Armenian-Americans have also made contributions to every aspect of American life. Among the most notable have been William Saroyan, Academy Award and Pulitzer Prize winning author; Howard Kazanjian, producer of Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark; Raffi, children’s singer and songwriter; System of a Down, multi-platinum alternative/metal group; Steve Zallian, Academy Award winning screenwriter of Schindler’s List; Ray Damadian, inventor of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and, of course, Andre Agassi, professional tennis player.

However, our relationship with Armenia has certainly been by no means a one-way street. Our Nation’s Armenian diaspora has provided the greatest number of high ranking officials in the new republic: the young Minister of Foreign Affairs, Raffi Hovannisian, a lawyer and political scientist, whose father, Richard, professor of Armenian history at UCLA, is the foremost authority on the first republic; the minister of energy, Sebuh Tashjian, also from Los Angeles; Jirair Libaridian, historian and former director of the Zoryan Institute, who is a personal advisor to President Levon Ter Petrosian; and Mathew Der Manuelian, a Boston lawyer with a high post in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

I’ll conclude my statement by wishing Armenia and Armenian-Americans a happy independence day.

Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ): Mr. Speaker, today marks the 15th anniversary of the independence of Armenia . On this day in 1991, Armenia was finally given the opportunity for self-rule for the first time in centuries. After suffering under harsh rule of the Turks, who attempted to slaughter them, and then the Soviets, who imprisoned them and persecuted them for their Christian beliefs, Armenia is now heading for a bright future filled with liberty and economic growth.

After decades of stagnation under the failed communist economic system, Armenia now ranks as the 27th most economically free nation in the world. A member of the World Trade Organization, Armenia is working through the World Bank and International Monetary Fund to grow its economy. I have strong faith that Armenia will continue to grow despite the harsh embargoes of its neighbors in Georgia and Turkey.

Armenia is justifiably proud of its deep cultural roots that go back to the dawn of recorded civilization. Ninety-nine percent of Armenians are literate and they have preserved both a distinct language and alphabet. Located in the shadow of the famed Mt. Ararat, Armenia’s growing tourist industry prides itself on the nation’s fascinating history.

Armenian-Americans are contributing to the development of their homeland by investing and promoting the nation on the international stage. Today is a great day for them and their homeland. I congratulate Armenia on 15 years of freedom and progress and trust that our nations will grow even closer in the future as we seek to promote liberty around the world.

Rep. Howard Buck McKeon (R-CA): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Republic of Armenia on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of their independence from the Soviet Union.

Since September 21, 1991, Armenia has faced the daunting challenge of building a modern free market economy on the crumbling foundations of Communism. In spite of the situation as they inherited it, Armenia’s story has been one of increasing success against long odds. As a member of the World Trade Organization, and a country committed to privatizing their economy, Armenia has seen positive economic growth rates since 1995. While there remains much work to be done, I am confident that the people of Armenia, with their long history of triumph over adversity, will succeed again in making their country a beacon of hope in its troubled part of the world.

Throughout their history, the Armenian people have proven both their desire and determination to be free. I am proud to join my colleagues in acknowledging the anniversary of independence for the free government of the Armenian people who have been ruled by the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, Ottoman empires as well as the Soviet Union.

On this important occasion, I extend my congratulations to the people and government of Armenia.