| Remarks by Ambassador
Arman Kirakossian Armenian Assembly of America Board of Trustees Meeting March 2002 |
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Distinguished members of the Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great honor and privilege for me to be here today and have the opportunity to address you at this important convention of leaders, supporters and activists of the Armenian Assembly of America. The Armenian Assembly of America has had an outstanding 30-year record in all areas where its efforts are involved. We know the Assembly for its strong leadership, professional focus and political competence. We are sure that the professionalism and dedication of the Assembly Trustees, Board, staff, and the efforts of its grassroots activists will continue to assist Armenia, serve the interests of the Armenian nation and strengthening of the U.S.-Armenian friendly relations. I first spoke before this distinguished audience in March 2000, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that the United States, Armenia, and the rest of the world has witnessed some major geopolitical and strategic changes. For one, the Armenian government and leadership is much more cohesive, centralized, and stable than it was two years ago, when Armenia was still reeling from the effects of the October 27 assassinations. That the government speaks with one voice is a major accomplishment and is of great importance for we do not have the luxury of living in a nice and quiet corner of the world. The United States has lived through a change of administrations and the tragedy of September 11. Armenia’s position is that the terrorism events of September 11 are an attack on the civilization and democracies anywhere in the world, an attack that requires a concerted and resolute answer from the international community. Armenia has offered use of its airspace, intelligence resources, and other support in assistance to the U.S.-led effort against the international terrorism. We realize, however, that many ideas, beliefs, concepts, and political theories have been rendered obsolete by the events of September 11, or, to be more precise, a much more proactive U.S. strategic stance around the world. The Congressional action on Section 907 was an early indication of such changes, as far as Armenia was concerned. But the geopolitical changes also occur in South Caucasus and neighboring regions. As I said, we do not live in a quiet region; just look at who our neighbors are: Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Armenia is within a thousand mile zone from Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. It is a major challenge to adjust to the new realities and we have to work hard to accomplish it. I do not believe that Armenia’s national interests will suffer as a result of this adjustment. Armenia stands to gain from the international campaign against terrorism, as in the past many of these Islamic fundamentalists have already tried to undermine our Republic, enlisting to fight in Karabakh. Due to the Congressional action on 907 and the presidential waiver, it is now possible to commence U.S.-Armenian military cooperation. Armenia is already a member of NATO’s Partnership for Peace initiative and the U.S. military are not newcomers in Armenia. Armenia’s Defense Minister Serge Sargsian will visit Washington, DC next week to meet with the Pentagon, State, NSC, and other U.S. Government officials. You know, for years we have spoken of U.S.-Armenian relations in static terms: it was always U.S. assistance to Armenia, U.S. co-chairmanship of the OSCE Minsk Group, and regular political dialog. Well, there is so much more to U.S.-Armenian relations than that. Commercial and economic ties are increasing, for one. U.S. Armenian trade increases, Armenian exports to the U.S. grew by 40% last year, and by 20% the year before, and are roughly $40 million dollars now. It may not sound much, but it is large enough by Armenian standards. The increased trade is the result of greater investment and commercial involvement of the Armenian American community. They were in the forefront of the New York Business Forum last year, the LA Expo last June, and behind the MOU signed between the State of California and Armenia last November. It is only natural that economic and commercial issues will feature more prominently in the U.S.-Armenian dialog. We must work together to ensure that Armenia becomes a member of WTO, and we can also work together to ensure that Armenian jewelry, tobacco and other products receive preferential treatment in the U.S. imports legislation. Let me now update you a little on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement. There has been no progress since the presidential summits in Paris and Key-West, FL, because Azerbaijan retreated from the principles of the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict that were agreed to in Paris last March. Moreover, the statements of President Aliyev, his Defense Minister, other members of the government, and the opposition parties raise serious concerns about growing intransigence and bellicosity in Azerbaijan. It is dangerous because the ceasefire regime on Artaskh-Azerbaijan line of conflict is based on the goodwill of all parties and the military balance of power, and the war propaganda in Azerbaijan will undermine the confidence in its ability to abide by the ceasefire regime. So, we hope that Azerbaijan will realize that the resumption of hostilities will not be of benefit to any party to the conflict. Armenia remains committed to a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group process. The Minsk Group Co-Chairs have just visited the region, and we hope that they will be able to reinvigorate the settlement process. Armenia remains committed to international recognition of the Armenian genocide, and it is on Armenia’s foreign policy agenda. At the same time, we recognize the need for establishment of interstate Turkish-Armenian relations, removal of the blockade, and opening the borders, issues that are best addressed by first track negotiations between Armenia and Turkey. The second Armenia Diaspora Conference will take place in Yerevan,
May Perhaps this is an opportune moment to discuss what can we do to work together in the United States to promote the interests of the Armenian people and the Republic of Armenia. Whether in Armenia or in the Diaspora, our people have two major aspirations: first, making Armenia a strong, prosperous, and democratic country, and, second, preserve the Armenian identity, culture, and organizations outside the Homeland, in the Diaspora. It is an axiom that, if the Armenian Embassy and all the Armenian political organizations in the United States work together and cooperate, our work is more productive and brings better results, quicker. As Armenia’s Ambassador to the U.S., I value and appreciate our consultations and cooperation with all Armenian American organizations. At the same time, I understand that there is a lot of residual resentment and bitterness after last year’s discussions of Section 907, the issue of TARC, and other misunderstandings, emotions, and sentiments accumulated over years if not decades. Yet, it is obvious that we need to work together. We have to realize that the complex nature of the geopolitics in our region, the U.S. led campaign against terrorism, and Armenia’s national security and economic challenges require utmost attention, dedication and responsibility from all of us. We need to put our disagreements aside and present a unified front to be able to have our concerns addressed clearly and seriously, based on mutual respect and understanding, better cooperation and coordination. It is not possible to ensure that everyone agrees on everything at all times. But there are issues that everyone agrees on: that the United States needs to remain committed to the economic and political stability in Armenia, remain engaged positively in the Nagorno Karabakh settlement process, promote regional cooperation and stability. Greater understanding between all Armenian American political organizations, their joint activities and cooperation with the Embassy is the only guarantee of progress toward our shared goals and objectives. I wish you success in your endeavors and look forward to further strengthening our partnership. Thank you. |