Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) led a bipartisan, bicameral letter from eight members of the United States Congress congratulating Armenia on its historic elections that took place on Sunday. Since early 2017, Armenia has taken significant steps towards becoming a freer and more open democracy. The letter also reaffirms the long-standing ties between the United States and Armenia and pledges continued support from the United States to the Armenian people.

In addition to Pallone and Markey, the letter was signed by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Congressman David Trott (R-MI), Congressman David G. Valadao (R-CA), Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA), Congressman Adam B. Schiff (D-CA), and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL).

Letter Text:

December 14, 2018

His Excellency Nikol Pashinyan

Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia

Yerevan

Dear Prime Minister Pashinyan:

As members of the United States Congress and the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, we write to offer our congratulations on Armenia’s historic elections that took place on December 9.

Since April of last year, the Republic of Armenia has seen a remarkable change in its government through peaceful and democratic means.  This change was motivated by the Armenian people strongly expressing their desire for an open democracy.  Sunday’s election was another resounding victory for advocates of a free and fair electoral process and ongoing democratic reforms.  As the political transition continues, we encourage your government to maintain that momentum by advancing initiatives to further government transparency, strengthen democratic institutions, and empower civil society in Armenia.   

We also wish to reassure the Armenian people that we will continue to support your nation in its steadfast pursuit of regional security and economic prosperity.  We will continue to identify opportunities to aid Armenia’s efforts to diversify its economy, strengthen its trade ties with countries like the United States, and continue to act as a safe haven for religious minorities fleeing persecution in the Middle East.  We are proud of the strong bilateral relationship between our two countries and look forward to bolstering our historic ties and friendship.

Once again, please accept our congratulations on an election that was calm, peaceful, and free of corruption or voter intimidation. We look forward to continuing our productive and robust dialogue with your administration moving forward.

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