Washington, September 22, ArmenPress - US president George Bush sent a congratulatory message to Armenian president Robert Kocharian on the occasion of 13th anniversary of Independence Day which runs as follows:

"Dear Mr. President:
I extend to you and to all the people of Armenia congratulations on the thirteenth anniversary of your nation's independence on September 21.
Today, an independent Armenia is a key partner with the United States. I am particularly grateful for the important counter-terrorism assistance that Armenia has rendered to the United States.
The United States will work tirelessly to assist the government and people of Armenia in their efforts to achieve economic growth, build democratic institutions and resolve the crippling Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. I look forward to enhancing cooperation between our countries and strengthening the deep ties of friendship between our people."