The goal of U.S. policy on Armenia is straightforward:  a free and prosperous Armenia, at peace with its neighbors. This was stated by newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills during the swearing-in ceremony in Washington on Friday.

“To achieve that goal, my priorities will be to assist the Armenian Government and people in strengthening Armenia’s democracy and rule of law; and liberalizing its economy and expanding its trade with a range of partners, including the United States,” he said.

“As the U.S. ambassador to Armenia, the wealth I seek to bring home is not material riches, but lessons.  The lessons our nation can learn from the Armenian people’s capacity for political and social renewal in the face of great tragedy, and from Armenia’s rich and welcoming culture, which took shape at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.  And I seek to bring home the benefits to America’s own national interest that will come from assisting the modern Armenian nation build a free, prosperous and secure future, on the basis of our shared democratic values”.

In his address, Richard Mills tanked the President, his colleagues and family, not forgetting to mention his Armenian language teacher.

“Finally, my gratitude to my patient Armenian language teacher these past several months, Karina Sapondjian.  I've never had a better language instructor!”