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HONORING ARMENIAN AMBASSADOR VARUZHAN NERSESYAN FOR HIS WORK
STRENGTHENING THE U.S.-ARMENIA RELATIONSHIP
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HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 22, 2021
Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor His Excellency Varuzhan Nersesyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the United States. After nearly three years of dedicated service, Ambassador Nersesyan and his family will soon embark across the Atlantic to serve as Armenia's Ambassador to the United Kingdom.
As Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, I would like to thank the Ambassador for his partnership and willingness to work together to strengthen the U.S.-Armenia relationship and share issues of importance relating to Armenia and the greater South Caucasus region.
Over the past three decades, Armenia has faced three wars initiated by its neighbor, Azerbaijan, dual blockades by Turkey and Azerbaijan, the lingering impact of the devastating 1988 earthquake, energy shortages, an influx of Armenian refugees forcibly displaced from Azerbaijan, and periods of mass migration. Armenia has endured these challenges through the will of its people, who have strongly committed to democracy and the rule of law in contrast to many countries in the region. As a result, Armenia's last two parliamentary elections were free, fair, transparent, and accessible--a true testament to Armenia's democratic principles.
The Ambassador has been a strong proponent of this democratic push, helping to enhance vibrant and strong U.S.-Armenia relations by helping to bring the legislative branches of our countries closer together. My colleagues in Congress and I have warmly welcomed our parliamentarian counterparts from Armenia in the U.S. Capitol. U.S. Congressional delegations have also been welcomed in Armenia, including a visit to Armenia involving Members of the House Democracy Partnership in 2019. We must continue this work of advancing our countries' mutual interests. The United States must continue rewarding innovative democracies and inclusive economies like Armenia. This is especially true in a region that is dominated by authoritarian regimes which have a tendency of perpetuating aggressions and attempting to stoke instability.
Ambassador Nersesyan also exemplified the great personal strength and resolve shown of all Armenians as the world witnessed the heartbreaking 44-day war in Artsakh perpetrated by Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Turkish-
backed mercenaries in the fall of 2020. Armenians in Artsakh have shown the international community that their right to self-determination in their centuries-old homeland must be taken seriously and their voices have been amplified by exemplary Armenian diplomats like the Ambassador. I witnessed his tireless dedication to advocating on their behalf for their right to self-determination and know his many efforts have not gone unheard in the United States Congress or in the current Administration.
Ambassador Nersesyan's mission in Washington, D.C. is not his first experience in the United States. His deep knowledge of our country and commitment to diplomacy was evident when he served as Armenia's Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Armenia from 2008 and 2012. During that time, he also matriculated and graduated from my alma mater--the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University--where he earned a Global Master of Arts.
During his time here, the Ambassador and his team have also done a wonderful job at showcasing Armenia's vibrant culture and history through many educational and artistic events in our nation's capital such as An Armenian Odyssey in early March 2020.
Once again, I take this opportunity to salute Ambassador Nersesyan on his mission here in the United States. He has truly served in the United States with distinction and humility and has succeeded in strengthening U.S.-Armenia relations. I would like to bid him and his family farewell with the hope that he will continue to shine a bright light on behalf of his country in future diplomatic assignments.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 129
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