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JOSEPH PENNINGTON’S NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE TO THE ARMENIAN
PEOPLE
[06:35 pm] 26 December, 2007
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!
Thank you.