Mr. Speaker, today, September 21, marks the seventh anniversary of political independence and the end of communist rule in Armenia.
Independence was first gained from the Ottoman Empire on May 28, 1918, following the tragic genocide of 1915. Unfortunately, the communist takeover on December 2, 1920 was the beginning of 70 years of tyranny which thankfully ended with the collapse of the U.S.S.R.
Today Armenia is a proud independent nation taking giant steps toward democracy, free to control its own destiny on the world stage and ready to do business with the world.
I am pleased to extend an invitation from the Armenian ambassador to my fellow members of parliament to attend a reception this evening from 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. in the Adam Room of the Chateau Laurier to wish Armenia a happy anniversary.