The picture is not from this event, but, as always, Mme. Secretary
met with Embassy personnel and families in Yerevan today before
departing Armenia.
Remarks at Meeting With Embassy Yerevan Staff and Families
Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
U.S. Embassy Yerevan
Yerevan, Armenia
June 4, 2012
Well,
it is such a pleasure to be back here in Yerevan. And I want thank all
of you for your hard work and commitment. This is a special year as we
celebrate the 20th anniversary of U.S.-Armenian relations. And I saw the posters on the wall as I turned into the compound.
In
the early days, 20 years ago, there were only six American officers
here. They ran the Embassy out of a hotel. When the charge needed to
send a cable, he’d open his hotel room window and hold an antenna
outside – (laughter) – until he got a good satellite connection. So I
think we’re making progress, don’t you?
I really appreciate the
ambassador’s efforts Tweeting about what happens here. (Laughter.) And I
think it’s fair to say that what you’re doing every single day is
helping us – (laughter) – build an even stronger and deeper relationship
between our two countries.
I’d also note that you started
interviewing Iranian student visa applicants, something this embassy is
uniquely positioned to do. We have been, from the very beginning, saying
that we wanted better relations with the people of Iran and more
student exchanges and other people-to-people contacts, and you are
helping us do that.
I’d also like to especially recognize the
local staff, who are the backbone of this and every embassy. I am very
grateful to all of our Armenian local staffs and thank you for your
dedicated service to this important mission.
And I want, finally,
to thank the families. I just got to see some very attractive young
people and took a picture with them. And I know that many of you are
away from your families. I know that in many instances your families are
right by your side, helping you every step of the way. But for me, it’s
a family that serves. And so I thank all of you for that.
This is
an exciting time in the world. It’s unpredictable. There are lots of
changes, but I think it’s important for us all to keep working for
greater peace, progress, and stability and prosperity in the world, and
we’re going to do everything we can to help Armenia continue to develop a
vibrant democracy, a strong economy, and better futures for the
Armenian people. Thank you very much.
