U.S. Congressional Delegation Visits Armenia & Artsakh

ARMENIAN
ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 4, 2017

Contact: Danielle
Saroyan

Telephone:
(202) 393-3434

Web: www.aaainc.org

 

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
VISITS ARMENIA AND ARTSAKH

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues
Co-Chairs Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), David Valadao (R-CA), and
Jackie Speier (D-CA), along with Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Rep. Jim
Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-WI), and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) returned from Armenia
with a better understanding of the challenges facing the region. Reps. Valadao,
Pallone, and Gabbard also visited Artsakh.

 

Reflecting
on his past trips to Armenia and Artsakh, Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Pallone
stated: "The progress of the country economically and politically is
immediately evident. I visited Armenia several times in the 1990s and early
2000s. Great strides have been made in terms of economic development and improvements
in the political system since then." He continued: "Overall, this
trip was a great opportunity for Armenia Caucus members to learn what we need
to follow-up on when we're back in Congress to improve U.S.-Armenian relations
with regards to trade, military cooperation, and many other areas."

 

The four-day
trip, from September 18-21, allowed for several face-to-face meetings with
high-level government officials. The delegation met with Armenian President
Serzh Sargsyan, who acknowledged the Congressional Delegation's visit as a
crucial step towards strengthening Armenia's relations with the United States,
and expressed his gratitude for their efforts towards deepening bilateral
relations in all areas.

 

They also
met Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan, National Assembly Speaker Ara Babloyan,
Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, Deputy Foreign Minister Ashot Hovakimian,
and His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians at Holy Etchmiadzin.

 

Armenian
Caucus Co-Chair Valadao said: "Living in the Central Valley, I have heard
many stories and descriptions of Armenia from my neighbors and friends. Having
the opportunity to experience the country they love firsthand was an
unforgettable and enlightening experience. In addition to visiting historic
landmarks and learning more about the Armenian culture, I met Armenian business
leaders and government officials, examining the positive impact of the strong
bond between our two nations."

 

In addition
to official meetings with the leadership of Armenia and Artsakh, the delegation
met with Syrian refugees who found shelter in Armenia, the business community,
and beneficiaries of U.S.-funded projects. They also went on special tours and
visited American University of Armenia, Impact Hub Yerevan, Megerian Carpet
Museum, and Armenia Fund's rehabilitated music school.

 

"I saw
first-hand the enormous contributions that the diaspora has made to build a
bright future for Armenia. The hospitalities extended were second to none,
whether it was a visit to the American University of Armenia, to winemakers or
music students, Armenia is on the move with a deep determination to continue
building a just and democratic society. I left the country with a great sense
of gratitude and pride," Rep. Eshoo stated. "My recent visit to
Armenia as it celebrated its 25th year of independence, was an extraordinary
experience for me personally and as a Member of Congress. I believe the trip
strengthened the relationship between the United States and Armenia, and it
also deepened my understanding of the challenges the country has and how the United
States can be a helpful partner," she continued.

 

Rep.
Sensenbrenner previously visited Armenia in 1991 and had the opportunity to
observe the Armenian referendum, during which 95% of the population voted for
independence from the Soviet Union. He witnessed the country during a crucial
transition period as it took its first steps towards democracy, and was able to
return many years later to see how the nation developed. The Congressional
Delegation's visit coincided with Armenia's Independence Day on September 21.

 

"The
need for cooperation between our two countries is ongoing, and this diplomatic
mission was important to strengthen relationships and continue to keep lines of
communication open. U.S. support has helped bolster Armenian democratic
institutions and civil society, and our two countries must continue to work
together to advance these interests. The U.S. and Armenia share strong bonds,
as America is one of the largest destinations for the Armenian diaspora,"
Rep. Sensenbrenner said. "These Armenians have gone on to contribute
greatly to their new homes, as well as being influential in the continued
struggle for recognition of the Armenian Genocide."

 

At the
Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex and Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, the
U.S. legislators laid flowers at the eternal fire of the Armenian Genocide
Monument and observed a moment of silence in tribute to the victims.

 

Rep. Gabbard
noted: "One major issue that continues to be unresolved, is global
recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide. It is unconscionable
that the United States government still has not formally recognized and
condemned the Armenian Genocide. I stand with Armenians in America and around
the world in condemning the Armenian Genocide, and I call on my colleagues to
adopt House Resolution 220 so we never forget, or repeat, the suffering endured
by the Armenian people."

 

Armenian
American Rep. Eshoo added: "Despite efforts beginning in 1975 to formally
recognize the Armenian Genocide, Congress has yet to acknowledge what took
place 102 years ago. The deliberate annihilation of 1.5 million Armenians,
Assyrians, Greeks and other minorities by the Ottoman Empire is a fact that
must be acknowledged by the United States. Likewise, the issue of
Nagorno-Karabakh must be resolved and the Minsk Group is important to this
effort."

 

Members of
the delegation met with Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan and National Assembly
Speaker Ashot Ghoulyan. During these meetings, they discussed the latest
developments in the Artsakh peace process, the role of international
organizations in preventing border incidents, as well as the efforts of the
Armenian Caucus in strengthening U.S. relations with Armenia and Artsakh.
President Sahakyan honored Reps. Pallone, Speier, and Eshoo with Medals of
Gratitude for their longtime and substantial contribution to the recognition of
the Republic of Artsakh.

 

Speaker
Ghoulyan emphasized the importance of U.S. humanitarian assistance to Artsakh,
and acknowledged the latest amendment introduced by Rep. Valadao to ensure
continued U.S. support to the de-mining process in Artsakh. Last month, Rep.
Valadao spearheaded a bipartisan amendment along with House Foreign Affairs
Committee Chairman Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), House Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence and Armenian Caucus Vice-Chair Adam Schiff (D-CA), Rep. Pallone,
and Rep. Speier to ensure continued funding for de-mining projects in Artsakh.

 

Reps.
Pallone and Gabbard traveled to Artsakh by helicopter with Assembly Co-Chair
Anthony Barsamian, Artsakh Foreign Minister Karen Mirzoyan, Artsakh
Representative to the U.S. Robert Avetisyan, and Armenia Fund, Inc. President
Maria Mehranian. The U.S. Representatives addressed the Artsakh Republic
National Assembly during one of its sessions. Rep. Pallone described Artsakh as
a state with a legitimate government, which declared independence consistent
with international law, and has built an effective political structure. Rep.
Gabbard emphasized the importance of the United States' active involvement in
the peace process and expressed support for the legitimate right of the people
of Artsakh to self-determination.

 

"The
resilience and courage I witnessed in the people of the Nagorno-Karabakh region
who remain in an ongoing conflict over their independence, further demonstrates
our shared values of freedom, democracy, and self-determination. We must
support a diplomatic resolution to this ongoing conflict, such as what has been
proposed by the Minsk Group (made up of the United States, France, and Russia),
to allow for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to exercise their freedom and
independence," Rep. Gabbard said in a statement.

 

Rep. Valadao
also traveled to Artsakh and met with The HALO Trust to learn more about mine
clearance along the borders. Following his visit, he stated: "Families in
Nagorno Karabakh live under the constant threat of landmine accidents and I am
grateful for the efforts of The HALO Trust to make Nagorno Karabakh a more safe
and secure region." Rep. Valadao continued, "While their work is
renown worldwide, I appreciated witnessing their work and learning more about
their efforts and dedication firsthand."

 

The six
Members of Congress are part of an exchange with Armenian Members of Parliament
who are expected in Washington, D.C. in the coming months.

 

Click here
to read the full statements by the Members of Congress who participated in the
U.S. Congressional Delegation to Armenia.

 

Established
in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt
membership organization.

 

###

 

NR#: 2017-069

 

Photo
Caption 1: Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA), Rep. Anna
Eshoo (D-CA), Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, 
Jr. (R-WI), and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) join U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia Richard Mills, Jr. and Armenian Ambassador to the U.S. Grigor
Hovhannissian in a meeting with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan

 

Photo
Caption 2: Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Rep. Jackie
Speier (D-CA), His Holiness Karekin II, Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-WI), and
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)

 

Photo
Caption 3: Rep. Michael McNulty (D-NY), Rep. Richard Lehman (D-CA), President
Levon Ter-Petrossian, Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-WI), and Rep. Wayne Owens
(D-UT) in Armenia to observe the September 21 referendum vote on independence

 

Photo
Caption 4: Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA), Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Rep. David
Valadao (R-CA), and Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-WI) at the Armenian Genocide
Memorial Complex

 

Photo
Caption 5: (L-R) Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) and Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-CA)
speaking in front of the Artsakh Republic National Assembly; Armenian Assembly
Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian, Rep. Pallone, Artsakh National Assembly Chairman
Ashot Ghoulyan, and Rep. Gabbard in front of "We Are Our Mountains"
monument north of Stepanakert, Artsakh; and Rep. Pallone, Armenia Fund, Inc.
President Maria Mehranian, Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA), Artsakh President Bako
Sahakyan, Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Rep. Gabbard, and Rep. David Valadao (R-CA)

 

Photo
Caption 6: Rep. David Valadao at The Halo Trust in Artsakh

 

Photo
Caption 7: Members of the U.S. Congressional Delegation with Turkish Member of
Parliament Garo Paylan, Armenian Ambassador to the U.S. Grigor Hovhannissian,
Armenian Assembly Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian, Armenian Assembly Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny, Armenian Assembly Regional Director Arpi Vartanian, and
other guests

 

Available
online here: http://bit.ly/2gcYNo1