U.S. AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA MARIE L. YOVANOVITCH’S

NEW YEAR MESSAGE

TO THE ARMENIAN PEOPLE

I would like to thank each one of you for the warm welcome I have received since my arrival. And over the next year, I look forward to traveling throughout Armenia to meet you, to learn more about your fascinating country, your history and your culture.

Today is a day to reflect on the many things that bring the people of the United States and Armenia together. The ties between our two peoples are strong and abiding. Since the 1988 earthquake, Armenians and Americans working together have accomplished much in the fields of health care, social protection, energy and economic reform and political development, and many other areas.

2009 will be an especially challenging year for the U.S., for Armenia, and the world, but my meetings with many of you give me great hope for the future of this country. The U.S. looks forward to helping Armenians strengthen their own democracy. We want to help the economy grow and prosper, so that all citizens can have equal opportunities.

We also want to help improve security and stability throughout the region. We are living in an historic moment full of possibilities. The U.S. is ready to help facilitate establishment of diplomatic relations and an open border between Armenia and Turkey. With our Minsk group partners we will continue to intensify mediation efforts to seek a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute.

I understand that just as in the U.S., Armenian families celebrate the beginning of the New Year, at the stroke of midnight, by making a wish and accompanying it with a glass of champagne. So in honor of that tradition, I intend to raise a glass of champagne to all of you on New Year's eve.

I will wish that 2009 provides every Armenian family with peace, happiness, good health, and prosperity.