WASHINGTON, DC – Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Chief Deputy Majority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) and New York Democrat Carolyn Maloney commemorated the 12th anniversary of Armenia’s rebirth as an independent state with remarks this past week before their Congressional colleagues, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

“Armenian Americans from New Jersey, New York, Virginia and around the nation appreciate these strong words of support for Armenia, in particular their reaffirmation of the values of peace and democracy shared by the American and Armenian peoples,” said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. “We thank each of these Members of Congress for stressing the special U.S.-Armenia relationship – a relationship that has grown steadily stronger over the course of the past century and that, today, includes partnerships in business, regional security issues, military cooperation, and the war on terrorism.”

Congressman Cantor, who, as a state Delegate, spearheaded successful efforts to pass the Virginia Armenian Genocide Resolution, stressed that, “For many years, and on many fronts, the people of Armenia have been challenged; for their land, for their distinct heritage and culture and have endured the most atrocious of events, genocide.” Congressman Pallone underscored the importance of this issue, stating that, “We must continue to remind the world that this Genocide is an historic fact – despite the efforts of so-called ‘revisionists,’ many of them funded by the Turkish government, to deny the truth – and to make sure that our nation, the world community, and especially the Turkish nation come to terms with and appropriately commemorate this historic fact.”

All three Representatives highlighted the growing U.S.-Armenia economic relationship. Congressman Pallone noted that, “During the first six months of this year, Armenia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by 12.5 percent. And during the last year, both the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have publicly noted Armenia’s economic progress.” In his remarks, Congressman Cantor explained that, “The addition of Armenia to the World Trade Organization earlier this year demonstrates its commitment to free enterprise and lower barriers to trade.” Rep. Maloney noted that, “Armenia has made amazing progress in rebuilding a society and a nation in the face of dramatic obstacles. The United States must continue to support Armenia’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and a market economy, and I am proud to stand with Armenia in so doing.”