Armenian Caucus Members Celebrate Armenia’s 25th Anniversary of Independence at US Capitol

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WASHINGTON — On Armenia’s Independence Day, September 21, the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues and the Armenian-American community celebrated Armenia’s 25th anniversary of independence. During the program, Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States Grigor Hovhannissian expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude towards the Armenian Caucus Members for their significant contribution in strengthening the friendship between the two nations.

The bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, with Co-Chairs Frank Pallone, Jr., (D-NJ), Robert Dold (R-IL), Jackie Speier (D-CA), and David Valadao (R-CA) and Vice Co-Chairs Adam Schiff (D-CA) and David Trott (R-MI), helps to strengthen U.S.-Armenia relations and supports Armenia’s democracy.

Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Pallone and Speier and Vice Co-Chairs Schiff and Trott each congratulated Armenia on 25 years of independence and raised a toast to Armenia’s future. Rep. Pallone shared a letter  on behalf of the leaders of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues sent to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan commending the people of Armenia on their 25th anniversary of independence.

“The Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues stands in solidarity with the peace-loving and resilient people of Armenia. We welcome future opportunities to work closely with the leadership of the Republic of Armenia to bolster the bilateral U.S.-Armenia relationship,” the Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs and Vice Co-Chairs said. “We join our colleagues in Congress, along with the Armenian people and the Armenian-American community across the United States in celebrating 25 years of Armenia’s independence. Please accept our best wishes and continued commitment to a strong United States-Armenia partnership.”

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA), and Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) also gave remarks. In addition, Ambassador Hovhannissian recognized the contributions of Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) who were also on hand.

Armenian Assembly of America Executive Director Bryan Ardouny in his remarks emphasized the important work of the Armenian Caucus and the strong bonds that exist between the United States and Armenia.  Ardouny addressed the audience stating: “We are Americans and we care about our homeland. Strengthening the U.S.-Armenia relationship is important for Armenia’s democracy and future, especially while Turkey and Azerbaijan represses rights and acts contrary to American values. We are all working together to lift up the U.S.-Armenia relationship and help Armenia as it continues its path for the next 25 years for a democratic, prosperous, and secure future.”

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Throughout the day, U.S. Representatives and Senators issued statements on behalf of Armenia’s Independence Day, including Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Speier, Armenian Caucus Vice Co-Chair Rep. Schiff, Rep. Costa, Rep. Scott Garret (R-NJ), and Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), reflecting President Barack Obama’s own salutation to President Sargsyan. “We remain committed to the promise of those early years, when Armenians proudly raised their tricolor flag for the first time since 1920,” President Obama stated.

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