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Mariam Pashayan
AAANews Blog
On Thursday, July 3, 2014, Armenian Caucus co-chair Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) submitted a statement into the Congressional Record of the U.S. House of Representatives in dedication to outgoing Armenian Ambassador Tatoul Markarian. Markarian has been Armenia’s Ambassador in Washington since 2005. Before his appointment as Ambassador, Markarian was Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2000-2005.
“Ambassador Markarian has dedicated his life to public service and the people of Armenia,” said Congressman Pallone. Pallone also mentioned their close working relationship in advocating Armenian issues stating, “Together, we have fought together for Congressional Recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and foreign aid assistance to both the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and Armenia.”
Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) also submitted a statement into the record to pay tribute to the outgoing Ambassador stating, “Dr. Markarian has been a crucial figure in fostering relations between Armenia and the United States.” Congressmen Pallone and Sherman praised the ambassador for being such a strong advocate for Armenia in the United States. Sherman also applauded Ambassador Markarian for his tireless efforts in securing a brighter future for Armenia and Artsakh stating, “He has been instrumental in securing increased humanitarian assistance from the U.S. to both Armenia and Artsakh, two struggling economies that are in great need of economic support.”
Congressman Pallone has represented central New Jersey in Congress since 1988. He is a senior member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and serves as the top Democrat on the Committee’s Subcommittee on Health. Congressman Pallone co-founded the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues in 1995 and serves as its co-chairman. Congressman Pallone has been to Armenia and the Nagorno Karabakh Republic numerous times and continues to advocate for U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide. Congressman Sherman has represented California’s San Fernando Valley in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1997. Congressman Sherman is a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and serves as the senior Democrat on the Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade. He is an outspoken defender of America’s ally Armenia and the independence of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.
Below are the full transcripts of the statements by Congressmen Pallone and Sherman:
Congressman Pallone: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and thank Ambassador Tatoul Markarian for his service as the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States.
“A distinguished diplomat, the Ambassador has a long career in public service, having represented the people of Armenia both at home and around the world. Prior to his cur- rent position, he served as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Special Representative of the President of Armenia for Nagorno-Karabakh negotiations and as Ambassador to the Mexican States. Additionally, he served previously from 1994–1999 as the Deputy Chief of Mission for the Armenian Embassy in Washington.
“Before entering the Armenian Foreign Service, Ambassador Markarian served in the newly-independent Armenia’s legislative and executive branches.
“I am proud of the work we have been able to accomplish together while Ambassador Markarian has been stationed in Washington for the last nine years. Together, we have fought together for Congressional Recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and foreign aid assistance to both the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and Armenia. As the founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, I have had the honor of working closely on these issues for more than twenty years.
“Today, the U.S.-Armenian relationship remains critically important. Armenia has been a crucial ally in a strategic region of the world by extending robust support for the U.S. led peacekeeping deployments in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo. Additionally, they have co- operated with the United States on a broad range of regional and security challenges. “This relationship has been stewarded and advanced by Ambassador Markarian during his time in Washington.
“Ambassador Markarian has dedicated his life’s work to our shared goals and the people of Armenia. I would like to offer my sincere thanks to him for his service here in the United States and offer both him and his family the best of luck as they move forward on to their next diplomatic posting.”
Congressman Sherman: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished service of His Excellency Tatoul Markarian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the United States of America.
“His Excellency Dr. Markarian is completing his term as Ambassador to the United States after nine years of service. Dr. Markarian has been a crucial figure in fostering relations between Armenia and the United States.
“As Armenian Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Markarian has been credited with creating closer ties with the United States by coordinating visits between the two countries’ government officials and diplomats. He has been instrumental in securing increased humanitarian assistance from the U.S. to both Armenia and Artsakh, two struggling economies that are in great need of economic support. This has been highlighted by Armenia becoming a competitive potential candidate for Millennium Challenge Corporation funding, which aims to reduce widespread poverty and strengthen infrastructure. Ambassador Markarian has also been largely responsible for coordinating improved bilateral talks between both countries, through the U.S.-Armenia Economic Task Force and Strategic Dialogue.
“Dr. Markarian has had a long career in public service. He served in the Republic of Armenia’s legislative and executive branches at a crucial time, during the Republic’s early years, first as assistant to the Vice Chairman of the newly created Armenian parliament, then as an advisor to the Vice President of Armenia and Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister. During his tenure as Ambassador to the United States he concurrently serves as the Ambassador to Mexico.
“I commend his Excellency Dr. Markarian on his service and accomplishments. His service has strengthened the relationship between Armenia and America. I wish the best for him, his wife, and three sons in their future endeavors.”