JOSEPH PENNINGTON: IT IS AN HONOR FOR US TO LIVE AND WORK IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 26, NOYAN TAPAN. U.S. Charge d’Affaires Joseph
Pennington sent a New Year message to the Armenian people, which read:

"Dear Armenians,

On this first day of the New Year, I would like to thank the people of
Armenia for their friendship and for the support they continue to give
to the strong relationship between Armenia and the United States. Today
is a day to celebrate the many things that bring us together as
nations, and to reflect on the many achievements our two peoples have
accomplished together since Armenia’s independence. It is also a day to
look ahead to the hopes and challenges that the future holds.

As we look ahead to 2008, I would like to assure you that US assistance
to Armenia, which has now reached nearly 2 billion dollars, will
continue. The United States is committed to supporting Armenia as it
works to both establish a strong democracy, and build a vibrant
economy, that benefit all of Armenia’s people. This year represents a
particularly important opportunity for Armenia to demonstrate its
commitment to democracy by holding a presidential election that meets
international standards. The United States stands ready to support that
important effort.

I would like to express today my deep appreciation for the
extraordinary warmth and hospitality the Armenian people continue to
show me and my colleagues at the American embassy, and the wider
American community in Armenia. It is an honor for us to live and work
in Armenia, a country that has achieved so much since it gained its
independence, and which has unlimited potential to accomplish even more
in the future.

I know Armenians have a saying about the New Year’s holiday: "Just as
one spends New Year’s, so, too, will they spend the following year."

So on behalf of the American people and the entire embassy, I wish all
of the Armenian people a very special New Year’s holiday spent with
close friends and family, and every success in the promising year ahead.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"