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New Year 2000 Address
to the Armenian American community
by Ambassador Arman Kirakossian

December 31, 1999

My fellow compatriots,

I am proud and delighted to address you for the first time since my appointment in the office on the occasion of the New Year and the New Millennium. I wish you a Happy New Year and Merry Christmas.

As the century is drawing to its close, this is an opportune moment for celebrating our accomplishments and planning for a better, happier next day. Yet, this is also a good time to cast a look into our past and reflect on the sad chapters of our history, in order to draw the right conclusions for the years ahead.

The twentieth century was saturated with historic and momentous events for our nation. On the positive side, we are entering the new century as an independent country, with a firm determination to build a stable, open, economically prosperous, and socially progressive society. We have achieved a remarkable growth of the culture and education and made Armenia a living reality, rather than a study subject for historians. At the same time, we have experienced more than our share of tragedies and deprivation and unfulfilled dreams. Hit with the first genocide of the modern times, an exodus of our people from their homeland and emergence of a Diaspora, the establishment of the Soviet regime and the fragmentation of the nation along the lines of ideological divide, we, nevertheless, did not compromise our hopes and aspirations.

As the Third Republic is about to conclude its first decade, it is imperative that the sons and daughters of Armenia seize this historic opportunity to materialize the century-long goals and dreams of the Armenian people in our Homeland Hayastan. There has been a substantial progress in laying the foundations for an independent statehood, defending Artsakh and its people, overcoming the consequences of the earthquake and severe blockade, advancing economic reforms and promoting democracy. It took the toil, industry and perseverance of the people of Armenia, as well as the selfless support of the Diaspora Armenians to address many of these challenges.

Still, the tragic events of October 27, 1999, are yet another reminder that it is not an easy task to create a healthy society, a strong government, and a real democracy. It requires a collective will, hard work and new mentality. What we were not able to accomplish so far will have to be done in the coming century. When we stand together and work for a common cause, no foe or calamity can overwhelm us. This is the single most important lesson we have to draw from our history. We, therefore, are looking forward to working with you, drawing on your commitment and expertise.

The Armenian Americans have an important and unique role in promoting this super-goal. As one of the most politically influential segment of the Diaspora, this community carries a strong moral, cultural, spiritual, and material potential. Moreover, you stand out for your civic duty, family values and personal successes, and you are a source of pride and inspiration for all of us in Armenia.

I would like to reassure you that the Embassy of Armenia, building on a solid foundation laid by my predecessor, Ambassador Ruben Shugarian, will continue to cultivate the spirit of cooperation with our compatriots in the Diaspora. We will also further strengthen and consolidate our relationship, with an aim to make you more immediately engaged in the political, economic, and cultural life of the Homeland. In particular, I invite you to consider anew the possibilities for mutually beneficial commercial projects and investments. In this regard, the Armenian Embassy in Washington, DC, is ready to serve as a bridge supporting the Armenian American entrepreneurs, by providing timely information, helping establish links with relevant Armenian institutions companies.

On behalf of the Embassy staff, my family and myself, I congratulate you on the advent of the New Year, Century and Millennium. May the new times bring us only happiness and success in achieving our objectives.

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