Epress.am News from Armenia
Marie L. Yovanovitch, after a three-year stint as US ambassador to Armenia, will be leaving this summer. On one hand, she is happy to return to her family and friends in the US; on the other, she is “sad to leave this beautiful country at such a historic moment.” So reads the start of Yovanovitch’s farewell letter to the Armenian public, released to the press today.
“During my three years in Armenia, I have witnessed a number of developments that underscore our strong bond and commitment to forging a bright future together,” she writes.
Continuing, she notes US President Barack Obama’s invitation to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan to attend the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington last year, as well as US State Secretary Hillary Clinton visit to Armenia on Armenian Constitution Day last year as examples of the good relations that exist between US and Armenia.
Yovanovitch then goes on to describe the US government’s activities in Armenia, citing assistance by USAID in renovating rural health facilities and mobilizing civil society groups to combat corruption, as well as projects funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation that will improve the country’s main canals and irrigation systems.
She then goes on to cite Armenia’s progress over the past few years, concluding by noting that though the US and Armenia might have differences, “the United States is committed to helping Armenia reach its full potential”:
“Over the last several years the Armenian government has registered admirable progress in combating the heinous crime of human trafficking. It has demonstrated its commitment to global security, sending troops to Afghanistan and strengthening Armenia’s export control regime. Restrictions on freedom of assembly have been relaxed. Citizens detained for actions related to the March 1, 2008 post-election events have been amnestied or granted early release.
“More challenges lie ahead, however, and the United States is committed to helping Armenia reach its full potential. The US is determined to facilitate a peaceful solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We continue to support Armenia-Turkey reconciliation, both here and in Ankara. It should come as no surprise that the United States will continue to champion democracy, which is America’s founding principle and fundamental to Armenia’s political and economic development. We cooperate with the government and local partners to help consolidate democracy in Armenia through the promotion of the rule of law, good governance, and respect for human rights. The upcoming elections represent opportunities to restore broad faith in Armenian democracy. Only Armenians themselves can take the steps to fulfill their democratic aspirations, but the American people stand ready to help Armenia realize this moment for progress.
“It is natural for our two countries to have differences, but I believe our shared belief in democracy, prosperity, and peace will guide future cooperation. I leave Armenia confident that our relationship will continue to strengthen and that together we will find new avenues to fashion a future that benefits us all.”