20th anniversary of Armenia's independence celebrated on Capitol Hill

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 26, ARMENPRESS:

Armenian Americans joined on Capitol Hill with eighteen members of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, the Armenian Embassy, and friends of Armenia in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia's rebirth as an independent state, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

"We were pleased to join today with so many Congressional supporters of Armenia, the Armenian Embassy, a broad cross-section of Armenian Americans, and our friends from across the foreign policy community in celebrating Armenia's rebirth as an independent state," said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian, following the event. "This gathering - on the milestone of Armenia's 20th anniversary - served a vital purpose in marking our progress, reinforcing our

shared values, and recommitting ourselves to the unfinished work that lays before us as we realize our nation's democratic and national aspirations."

The celebration was held in the historic hearing room of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, 2172 Rayburn House Office Building. This room has been the setting for many watershed meetings on Armenian issues, including the approval of a series of Armenian Genocide Resolutions and, just this past July 20th, the adoption of the Return of Churches amendment calling on Turkey to restore confiscated Christian religious properties to their rightful owners.

The evening's program was opened and hosted by Armenian Caucus Co- Chairmen Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Ed Royce (R-CA). The schedule featured a moving awards ceremony, presided over by Armenia's Ambassador, Tatoul Markarian, during which he bestowed Armenia's "Mkhitar Gosh" Medal upon House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Democrat Howard Berman (D-CA) and Armenian Genocide Resolution lead co-sponsor, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), for their years of dedicated service in seeking U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide and strengthening U.S.-Armenia ties.

"It's a great honor to receive the Mkhitar Gosh Medal of the Republic of Armenia," stated Rep. Berman upon receipt of the award. "I will always treasure it, as I treasure my bond with Armenian Americans and with all Armenians. I will not waver in my commitment to justice for the Armenians. That means winning U.S. Congressional recognition of the Genocide, ending the Turkish-Azerbaijani blockade, and ending the isolation of Nagorno Karabakh."

Rep. Schiff expressed appreciation to the Armenian American community for embracing him as an adopted son, and for working hand in hand with him on issues of broad community concern. "The Republic of Armenia is a strong U.S. ally and an example of a working democracy. Domestically, Armenian Americans continue to illustrate what a valuable asset they are to our society, breaking new ground economically, socially and politically in California and across the nation. Congratulations to the people of Armenia, and to Armenians in America and around the world on the significant achievements of the past 20 years."

Members of Congress expressed their commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Armenia relationship through promoting trade and continuing U.S. assistance to the blockaded country. They went on to pledge support for U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide and the ongoing "Return of Churches" campaign calling on Turkey to return confiscated churches to their rightful owners. Special attention was given to ensuring the right to self-determination of the people of Nagorno Karabagh. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) spoke forcefully about generating targeted U.S. support for the at-risk Armenian population of the Javakhk region of Georgia.