“Democracy is Precious”
by Ambassador Lynne M. Tracy, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia
On January 20, 2021 just before 12:00pm in Washington, D.C., President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. took the
oath of office to become the 46 th President of the United States. His Vice President, Kamala Harris, was
also sworn in, becoming not only the first woman, but also the first Black and Indian American to hold
the office.
In his inaugural address, President Biden said of the moment, “We've learned again that democracy is
precious. Democracy is fragile. At this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.” As we have seen
over the last few weeks, and as President Biden emphasized, democracy cannot be taken for granted, even
after nearly two and a half centuries in the United States.
Since Armenia’s independence, the United States has supported Armenia in its fight for democracy – not
because we have perfected it ourselves, but because we know how much work it takes to protect and
defend. Critical to this task are building and maintaining strong democratic institutions and advancing the
rule of law, providing economic opportunity for all, and broadening access to education. It is a process
that demands unity, resolve and perseverance, often in the face of enormous challenges.
As the United States begins a new chapter in our own country’s history, we renew our commitment to
partnering with the Armenian people, Government, civil society, media, and the private sector to support
the aspirations of the Armenian people who voiced their choice for meaningful, tangible reforms to
strengthen the institutions of Armenia’s democratic institutions and for a more prosperous future.
Democracy and the rule of law are cornerstones of the U.S.-Armenia relationship, but we have an even
broader common positive agenda. Supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth, expanding
trade and investment, promoting energy security, managing environmental resources responsibly, fighting
the COVID-19 pandemic, and investing in people through educational opportunities reflect a deep and
wide U.S.-Armenia partnership that I am confident will continue to strengthen.
Above all, we recognize the urgent work to be done in moving forward following the devastating conflict
over Nagorno-Karabakh. The U.S. government has responded to Armenia’s critical needs by providing
clothes, food, child-friendly safe-spaces, and shelter to displaced peoples. The United States continues to
call for the swift and safe return of the remaining detainees. We condemn the acts of atrocities connected
with the conflict. Those responsible must be held to account. And, while the fighting has stopped, the
need for an enduring political solution on the status of Nagorno-Karabakh is essential for securing
regional peace and stability.
As I look ahead to the upcoming year, I acknowledge the many challenges we still face. But I am
confident that, together, we are up to the task. We will continue to support Armenia as it rebuilds in the
years to come. As President Biden said on Wednesday – “We have never ever, ever failed in America
when we have acted together.” That emphasis on togetherness transcends our borders – together with our
Armenian friends and partners, we will tackle the challenges before us, uphold our shared values, and
ensure that democracy and the rule of law prevail, leading to a brighter future for us all.
