THE PRESIDENT'S REPLY TO THE REMARKS OF THE NEWLY APPOINTED AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA ARMAN KIRAKOSSIAN UPON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF HIS LETTER OF CREDENCE

Mr. Ambassador:

I am pleased to accept your Letter of Credence from President Kocharian, which establishes you as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the United States of America, and I acknowledge the Letter of Recall of your distinguished predecessor. Thank you for your generous words and warm wishes. I extend a warm welcome to you and your family on your arrival in Washington.

As you noted, the ties between Armenia and the United States are built on a broad foundation that is firmly grounds both in the human relationships between our two peoples and our mutual national interests. Ethnic Armenians
from many lands have settled in the United States. They have enriched our art and literature, contributed to our scientific and economic advancement, and helped to shape our public life. Armenian-Americans are prominent citizens,
including on foreign policy issues. Their efforts help to ensure that we remain focused on assisting in the establishment of a strong Armenian democracy and securing peace and prosperity for its citizens.

We place particular importance on helping Armenia, and neighboring Azerbaijan, achieve a durable and mutually acceptable resolution to the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. All too often national leaders hesitate to
take the bold decisions and make the necessary compromises required to forge a lasting peace. Presidents Kocharian and Aliyev have demonstrated a willingness to act boldly for peace. The United States firmly supports these efforts and
is committed to translating a peace agreement into real improvements in the lives of the Armenian and Azerbaijani people.

The United States remains equally committed to assisting Armenia establish strong democratic institutions and a free-market economy. We applaud the progress Armenia has made in these areas. The fact that Armenia's constitutional mechanisms weathered the violence in your parliament on October 27 is a testament to your country's commitment to democracy. I express again the condolences of the American people for your national loss, and I call on
Armenia's leaders not to let that tragedy divert them from the rule of law and democratic principles.

I know your government places special importance on participating fully in the world economy. Armenia has made significant progress toward accession to the World Trade Organization, and I congratulate Armenia for that progress.
We will continue to work closely with you to ensure that Armenia qualifies for accession as quickly as possible. We also share your view that Armenia's economic development depends on integration into the broader Caucasus region
and are working to help you achieve that integration.

You movingly described the hardships the Armenian people have endured over the last dozen years, beginning with the earthquake of 1988 and including the
economic disruptions that accompanied the re-establishment of independence in 1991. We admire the resoluteness and resilience that the people of Armenia have demonstrated in overcoming these hardships. I am proud that the United
States has been able to help your country in this difficult transition. The fact that the United States is now able to shift the emphasis of its assistance from humanitarian aid to development projects reflects the progress that the Armenian people have made. You have every reason to be proud of what Armenia has accomplished.

We look forward to working closely and productively with you and your embassy on all aspects of U.S.-Armenian relations.

Again, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you as Armenia's ambassador.