October 29, 1999

Prime Minister's Comments Take On Sad Note

Washington, September 30, 1999 - Just a month ago, Armenia's Prime Minister, Vazken Sarkissian, was in Washington for substantive meetings with U.S. government officials.   On his last afternoon in Washington, at a special meeting with dozens of invited Congressional representatives, the Prime Minister unknowingly gave his last thankful address to them.  Along with Speaker of the National Assembly, Garen Demirchian and other top officials, Sarkissian was gunned down by terrorists on October 27th.

Armenian National Committee members from the Bay Area joined their colleagues in Washington and other Armenian community representatives  to welcome the Prime Minister at his meeting with the U.S. Congressmen.

Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey introduced Prime Minister Sarkissian, praising his leadership.  "This is the strongest government we've had in Armenia," said Pallone, referring to President Kocharyan, Prime Minister Sarkissian, and National Assembly Speaker Garen Demirchian. "The Prime Minister is taking the lead in market reforms, is working on a balanced budget and tightening the reigns - not an easy thing, and is ushering in a productive era in Armenia."

The Prime Minister individually greeted the many Congressmen who left the House Chambers to meet him at the special gathering.  In his unscripted address to them, he expressed his honor and happiness to meet them and made the following comments.

"Thank you, the American people and government for all of the aid you've provided Armenia since 1988.  When the Soviet Union was collapsing during the period of 1989 to 1991, we were acquiring independence with the burdens of an earthquake and a war.   At that time, we felt every day the assistance you gave," Sarkissian told those assembled through an interpreter.

"I extend my special thanks and sincere gratitude to the Congressional Armenian Caucus members, Representatives Pallone, Porter, and others, for defending the Armenian Cause.  We understand that we cannot let you down. Our first responsibility is to our friends.  It's a moral responsibility."

"This is a turning point for our nation.  We're trying to move from assistance from others, to cooperation with others - working with the United States, with the Diaspora, and with friends around the world. The 21st century will be a century of democratization and development for Armenia with your help."

Sarkissian discussed his meetings with International Monetary Fund and International Bank officials, Congressional representatives, and administration officials.  "We discussed the expansion of our privatization efforts and the building up of industry.   We talked about long-term loans to Armenia and USAID.  We discussed how the $90 million dollars appropriated for Armenia should be spent.  I'm very glad we had a mutual understanding on these issues."

Sarkissian also said that during a meeting with Al Gore, the vice president was interested in the Kharabagh settlement.

"I think we've never been closer to settlement.  We understand that you will help us, but we are the ones who'll have to come to a settlement."

Sarkissian said that no third party can make the actual settlement.  He warned of Turkey's position in the region.  "Turkey still blockades Armenia.  In the dispute over Kharabagh, Turkey bluntly took Azerbaijan's side.  The position of regional superpower that Turkey is trying to take should be based on its relations with it's neighbors.  If it wants to be a power, it should treat its neighbors equally.   So far, the hopes that we had that the U.S. might help bring Turkey and Armenia together, haven't happened."

He called out to the Congressmen to "help us break that wall of the blockade, so Armenia can successfully integrate itself into regional  development projects.   I'm sure we'll get your help in this."

Sarkissian's encouraging closing remarks take on a much more sad voice since his assassination, "Armenia will be the nation we all dream of - truly democratic and truly prosperous.  Then, soon WE can be the ones to help other nations succeed. May God help all those who are helping Armenia now."