PRESS RELEASE                                                      
December 22, 2006

2006 Christmas Message to the Armenian American Community by Ambassador Tatoul Markarian

Dear compatriots,

As the holiday season approaches, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year 2007 on behalf of the Embassy staff and my family. This past year was a year of continuing progress in U.S.-Armenia relations, Armenia’s political and economic development, and Diaspora-Homeland relations. Armenia’s fifteen-year jubilee was a prominent event this year, and it drew light to Armenia’s achievements in transition and integration in the world over these years.

The fifteenth anniversary of Armenia was celebrated not only in Armenia but in all the Armenian communities around the world, including the United States. The Embassy of Armenia organized several diplomatic, cultural, and community events to mark this important anniversary, culminating in a special event in Washington, D.C. on October 21, 2006. It was only appropriate to celebrate this anniversary in Washington, not only because the U.S. government, and also the World Bank and the IMF have been the biggest investors in Armenia’s independence, but also because it symbolizes the strong Armenian-American Diaspora which has distinguished itself by its essential contribution to sustaining Armenia’s independence. The Armenian statehood proved to be a factor of unity and solidarity for all the Armenians around the world, and this was evident at the October 21 event where all the major Armenian-American organizations and communities were represented. An official delegation from Armenia, headed by Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, took part in this event. Earlier, in September, the Third Armenia-Diaspora Conference brought the Diasporan organizations and individuals to Armenia, including 247 delegates representing all the segments of the Armenian-American community.

Political and economic bilateral cooperation continued strong in 2006, with the signing of the $235 million compact between Armenia and the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation marking an important milestone that will further enhance the partnership between our two nations. A high-ranking government delegation from Armenia, as well as a wide spectrum of the Armenian-American organizations attended the signing ceremony hosted at the State Department by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. U.S.-Armenia Economic Task Force continued its activity, discussing economic and commercial cooperation.

Nagorno Karabakh peaceful settlement and security and military cooperation, among others, were important issues on the agenda of the ongoing political dialog between our nations. Foreign Minister’s agenda in Washington during his March visit included high-level meetings with U.S. officials on the Nagorno Karabakh issue. Minister Oskanian spoke at the National Press Club, commenting on the developments in Armenia and the region, including the peace process and energy security issues. The presence of the Armenian contingent in Iraq was extended by another year in December, and our partners in the United States appreciate Armenia’s contribution to preserving peace and stability in Iraq. The Embassy of Armenia continued its dialog with the Administration, State Department, the Pentagon, other executive agencies, as well as with the U.S. Congress, and the think-tanks.

Recognition of the Armenian Genocide, preventing U.S. funding of the Kars-Akhalkalaki railroad, assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh and the issue of military parity remained on our agenda on the Hill, and the Embassy together with the Armenian American lobbying organizations continued to focus on those issues.

The commitment of the Armenian Diaspora to Armenia and Artsakh was demonstrated again during the annual telethon by the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, which raised a record-breaking amount, $13.7 million. Kirk Kerkorian’s Lincy Foundation kicked off another major program that will invest 60 million dollars in Armenia. Local community leaders and activists, patriotic individuals and representatives of the Armenian-American organizations share the aspirations and the will to support the efforts to build a democratic, economically prosperous, and strong Republic of Armenia.

Dear compatriots,

With appreciation of your continuing support and assistance, I look forward to working together for the benefit of Armenia and the Armenian people. May the New Year bring further peace and prosperity to our Homeland, and happiness and joy to all of you!