Armenian Plane Crash

ARMENIAN PLANE CRASH -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 09, 2006)

* Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sincere condolence to the families and friends of the passengers and crewmembers aboard Airbus Airliner A-320, which crashed last Wednesday morning off of Russia's Black Sea coast. Luckily, investigators do not suspect foul play or terrorism, stating the crash was due to stormy weather.

* The plane disappeared from radar screens about four miles from shore. As it was heading for what seemed like an emergency landing at the Adler Airport near the Southern Russian resort city of Sochi at 2:15 a.m., it crashed into the sea, killing all 113 people on board, including six children. No passenger was wearing a life jacket, indicating they did not have sufficient warning to prepare for such a landing. According to Armavia airline officials, 26 Russians, one Ukrainian and one Georgian were among the passengers and crewmembers. The rest were Armenian citizens.

* No human should suffer the type of pain that is brought about by this tragic loss of life. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims--may you find strength during these trying times.

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