Tweet
ARMENIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF AMERICA
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.anca.org
PRESS RELEASE
September 21, 2008
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Email: [email protected]
OBAMA MARKS ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
-- Stresses his Respect for Enormous Armenian Contributions to
American Life
WASHINGTON, DC - Presidential candidate Barack Obama today joined
with Armenian Americans in celebrating Armenian Independence day in
statement that noted Armenia's first modern instance of
independence in 1918 and congratulated all Armenians on Armenia's
rebirth in 1991 as an independent state after 70 years of Soviet
rule, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
Senator Obama has, at several points during the campaign season,
shared his views on Armenian American issues, including in a
statement this April dedicated to the remembrance of the Armenian
Genocide. In January of this year, in a statement on the eve of
the California primary, he outlined his views on a broad array of
Armenian American concerns. The Illinois legislator, who was then
facing Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) for his party's nomination,
called for Congressional passage of the Armenian Genocide
Resolution (H.Res.106 & S.Res.106), and pledged that, as president,
he will recognize the Armenian Genocide. He also reaffirmed his
support for a strong "U.S.-Armenian relationship that advances our
common security and strengthens Armenian democracy," and promised
to "promote Armenian security by seeking an end to the Turkish and
Azerbaijani blockades, and by working for a lasting and durable
settlement of the Nagorno Karabagh conflict that is agreeable to
all parties, and based upon America's founding commitment to the
principles of democracy and self determination."
The full text of his January statement is posted on the Senator's
campaign website:
www.barackobama.com/2008/01/19/barack_oba ma_on_the_importance.php
In today's statement, which again cites the Armenian Genocide,
Senator Obama noted that "after centuries of living in the Persian,
Russian, and Turkish empires, Armenians first achieved their modern
independence in 1918 and regained it after 70 years of Soviet rule
in 1991. Their struggle continues, but in the years of renewed
independence they have been able to guide their own destiny through
years of war and economic dislocation."
Senator Obama went on to mention the President of Turkey's recent
decision to accept the President of Armenia's invitation to a World
Cup qualifying match in Yerevan. The ANCA has outlined its views
on this development in letters sent to the U.S. Congress. To read
the text of these letters, visit:
www.anca.org/press_releases/press_releases. php?prid=1578
The full text of Senator Obama's statement is provided below.
#####
Statement by Senator Barack Obama on Armenian Independence Day
Sunday, September 21, 2008
On this day, September 21, Armenians and friends of Armenia
everywhere celebrate the independence of the Republic of Armenia,
and I extend my warmest and best wishes on this happy occasion.
Throughout their long history, a spirit of independence, self-
reliance, and survival defines the Armenian people. After centuries
of living in the Persian, Russian, and Turkish empires, Armenians
first achieved their modern independence in 1918 and regained it
after 70 years of Soviet rule in 1991. Their struggle continues,
but in the years of renewed independence they have been able to
guide their own destiny through years of war and economic
dislocation. Even in the face of genocide, the pain of the past
has not defeated the Armenians, either in Armenia or the far-flung
diaspora.
America has benefited tremendously from the vigor and talents of
the Armenian people. Armenian-Americans have made enormous
contributions to American life - to our arts and academia, to
business, science, and politics - while still maintaining strong
ties to their ancestral home.
Recent events in the Caucasus region remind us of both the
importance of rededicating ourselves to peace, and the possibility
of progress even where there is a long history of alienation. The
conflict in Georgia shows the danger that lurks when rising
tensions are ignored and the United States pursues a diplomatic
strategy of neglect. But in recent days we have also seen the
hopeful step - taken by the Presidents of Turkey and Armenia -- to
restart dialogue that could, in time, bring a welcome normalization
of relations and offer Armenia more diversified opportunities for
trade, transport, and energy supplies. American policy must build
on this step, to ensure that Armenia enjoys a future not merely of
independence but of partnership and cooperation with the U.S. and
its allies.
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.anca.org
PRESS RELEASE
September 21, 2008
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Email: [email protected]
OBAMA MARKS ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
-- Stresses his Respect for Enormous Armenian Contributions to
American Life
WASHINGTON, DC - Presidential candidate Barack Obama today joined
with Armenian Americans in celebrating Armenian Independence day in
statement that noted Armenia's first modern instance of
independence in 1918 and congratulated all Armenians on Armenia's
rebirth in 1991 as an independent state after 70 years of Soviet
rule, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
Senator Obama has, at several points during the campaign season,
shared his views on Armenian American issues, including in a
statement this April dedicated to the remembrance of the Armenian
Genocide. In January of this year, in a statement on the eve of
the California primary, he outlined his views on a broad array of
Armenian American concerns. The Illinois legislator, who was then
facing Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) for his party's nomination,
called for Congressional passage of the Armenian Genocide
Resolution (H.Res.106 & S.Res.106), and pledged that, as president,
he will recognize the Armenian Genocide. He also reaffirmed his
support for a strong "U.S.-Armenian relationship that advances our
common security and strengthens Armenian democracy," and promised
to "promote Armenian security by seeking an end to the Turkish and
Azerbaijani blockades, and by working for a lasting and durable
settlement of the Nagorno Karabagh conflict that is agreeable to
all parties, and based upon America's founding commitment to the
principles of democracy and self determination."
The full text of his January statement is posted on the Senator's
campaign website:
www.barackobama.com/2008/01/19/barack_oba ma_on_the_importance.php
In today's statement, which again cites the Armenian Genocide,
Senator Obama noted that "after centuries of living in the Persian,
Russian, and Turkish empires, Armenians first achieved their modern
independence in 1918 and regained it after 70 years of Soviet rule
in 1991. Their struggle continues, but in the years of renewed
independence they have been able to guide their own destiny through
years of war and economic dislocation."
Senator Obama went on to mention the President of Turkey's recent
decision to accept the President of Armenia's invitation to a World
Cup qualifying match in Yerevan. The ANCA has outlined its views
on this development in letters sent to the U.S. Congress. To read
the text of these letters, visit:
www.anca.org/press_releases/press_releases. php?prid=1578
The full text of Senator Obama's statement is provided below.
#####
Statement by Senator Barack Obama on Armenian Independence Day
Sunday, September 21, 2008
On this day, September 21, Armenians and friends of Armenia
everywhere celebrate the independence of the Republic of Armenia,
and I extend my warmest and best wishes on this happy occasion.
Throughout their long history, a spirit of independence, self-
reliance, and survival defines the Armenian people. After centuries
of living in the Persian, Russian, and Turkish empires, Armenians
first achieved their modern independence in 1918 and regained it
after 70 years of Soviet rule in 1991. Their struggle continues,
but in the years of renewed independence they have been able to
guide their own destiny through years of war and economic
dislocation. Even in the face of genocide, the pain of the past
has not defeated the Armenians, either in Armenia or the far-flung
diaspora.
America has benefited tremendously from the vigor and talents of
the Armenian people. Armenian-Americans have made enormous
contributions to American life - to our arts and academia, to
business, science, and politics - while still maintaining strong
ties to their ancestral home.
Recent events in the Caucasus region remind us of both the
importance of rededicating ourselves to peace, and the possibility
of progress even where there is a long history of alienation. The
conflict in Georgia shows the danger that lurks when rising
tensions are ignored and the United States pursues a diplomatic
strategy of neglect. But in recent days we have also seen the
hopeful step - taken by the Presidents of Turkey and Armenia -- to
restart dialogue that could, in time, bring a welcome normalization
of relations and offer Armenia more diversified opportunities for
trade, transport, and energy supplies. American policy must build
on this step, to ensure that Armenia enjoys a future not merely of
independence but of partnership and cooperation with the U.S. and
its allies.