AAA Donation to MLI Partnership Program

Mr. Baltimore, General Sullivan, Dr. Lake, Mr. Jamian,
Dear guests,

I am delighted to host you at the Embassy of Armenia. Today's occasion is both humanitarian and symbolic. It is humanitarian because it will contribute to expanding mine-clearing operations in the Republic of Armenia, potentially saving dozens and hundreds of lives. But it is also symbolic for the partnership it represents between the peoples of the United States and Armenia.

The Armenian Government appreciates the Marshall Legacy Institute's keen interest in helping Armenia overcome its serious landmine problem, especially through the assistance in implementation of a Mine Detection Dog Partnership Program. The armed phase of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, in 1992 -1994, is the primary source of Armenia's landmine problem. According to our estimates, there are 80 to 100 thousand mines left along Armenia's east and southeast border regions. These mines are an ongoing source of danger to the life and property of the people in the border zones. Some 50 people lost their lives to mine explosions in the last six years. The area affected by landmines is all the more significant because of the small size of Armenia.

Early on, the Armenian Government worked with foreign partners and donors in overcoming this challenge. In fact, the United States accepted Armenia into the US Humanitarian De-mining Program in 2000. A U.S.-funded Humanitarian Demining Center opened in March 2002, and graduated its first class of 75 specialists last month. The Marshall Legacy Institute's program, now co-funded by the Armenian Assembly of America, will definitely strengthen Armenia's capacity to overcome this dangerous problem.

The MLI program underscores the positive potential and cooperative spirit of the U.S.-Armenian relations. The Government and the people of Armenia appreciate the generous support of the American people, which has helped us enormously in promoting democratic and economic development of Armenia during the last decade. I am reminded of the words of the famous writer and historian James Bryce, who observed that the Americans have a special reason, over and above their quick responsiveness to sentiments of humanity, for feeling a warm interest in the conditions of the Armenian Christians. These words were written in 1895, but they carry significant meaning even in our day and age.

Hundreds of thousands of Armenians found refuge in this country in twentieth century. The Armenian Americans have become loyal citizens of this country, fighting to defend its freedom and contributing to its economic, political, and cultural development. They are the human bridge between our countries, and their constructive contribution to strengthening the newly independent Armenia is invaluable. Their political activism is embedded in the American democracy. The Armenian Assembly of America is one of the most prominent Armenian American organizations. We know the Assembly for its strong leadership, professional focus and political competence. Their participation in the MLI partnership program is a perfect example of their can-do attitude, and concern for a better tomorrow for Armenia.

Let me add a few comments on the prospects of U.S.-Armenian relations. The events of September 11, 2001, roused the feelings of grief and determination, sorrow and resolve in Armenia, just like they did in the United States. Our hearts went to the American people during those tragic days. Armenia has helped and is helping the United States-led campaign against international terrorism.

The U.S.-Armenia relations will only grow stronger in the years to come. We are looking forward to continuing political and security dialogue, developing military cooperation, promoting the bilateral trade and commercial ties, which benefit American and Armenian companies, and other issues of bilateral interest.

Let me thank the Armenian Assembly and the Marshall Legacy Institute for their project. I wish success to this program.

Ambassador Arman Kirakossian's Remarks At a Ceremony Acknowledging Armenian Assembly Donation to MLI Partnership Program