ANCA Leaders Consult with Menendez, Royce on Crisis in Syria and Iraq

October 10, 2014 By administrator

LOS ANGELES—The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) recently held consultations with the chairmen of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee on a broad range of Armenian American policy priorities, including the welfare of Armenian communities amid a worsening ISIS crisis, an increasingly strained U.S.-Turkey relationship, and growing instability throughout the greater Middle East.

In separate meetings with Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Representative Ed Royce (R-CA), ANCA leaders discussed the threat posed by Turkey-backed ISIS aggression in Syria and Iraq, and the welfare of Armenian and other at-risk minority communities in the region, as part of the larger landscape of Armenian American concerns. In each meeting, key points included efforts to end White House complicity in Turkey’s denial of the Armenian Genocide prior to the centennial of this crime, U.S. legislation seeking Turkey’s return of Christian churches, the security of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, and the further strengthening of U.S.-Armenia relations. These meetings are part of the ANCA’s ongoing engagement with policymakers in the White House, State Department, and Congress on the full range of Armenian American advocacy priorities.

“We thank both Chairman Menendez and Chairman Royce for sharing their insights, for working with us to explore principled and pragmatic solutions, and – most importantly – for exercising their thoughtful and decisive leadership on issues of urgent concern to the Armenian American community,” said ANCA Board Member Raffi Hamparian, who took part in both meetings. “With so many crucial challenges facing the Armenian nation – and so much room for improvement in the Obama Administration’s deeply flawed policies on these issues – we place special meaning on our relationships with friends in Congress, and look forward to working in cooperation with legislators from both parties and across our country to advance our shared interests and common values.”

In April of this year, Chairman Menendez led the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s successful adoption of the Armenian Genocide Resolution (S.Res. 410), the first such action by a Senate Committee in more than two decades. On the House side, in June of this year, Chairman Royce spearheaded the adoption in the Foreign Affairs Committee of H.R.4347, the Turkey Christian Churches Accountability Act, a bipartisan measure to help secure Turkey’s surrender of stolen Armenian and other Christian Church properties. Chairman Royce also led an April 24, 2014, Congressional delegation to Armenia, where he joined with House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Democrat Eliot Engel (D-NY) and fellow Committee members David Cicilline (D-RI), and Lois Frankel (D-FL) in marking the Armenian Genocide at the Dzidzernagapert memorial.

ANCA: OSCE MUST CHALLENGE AZERBAIJANI AGGRESSION

August 2, 2014 By administrator

WASHINGTON, DC — Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Executive Director Aram Hamparian issued the following statement regarding Azerbaijan’s most recent attacks against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.

“The Azerbaijani government’s July 31st and August 1st cross-border attacks against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh are the latest examples of its reckless military aggression in the face of international efforts to stabilize the region and set the groundwork for a fair and enduring peace.”

“The OSCE Minsk Group’s unwillingness to clearly condemn Azerbaijani military strikes has fostered a dangerous atmosphere of impunity that has clearly contributed to this recent escalation of violence. It is time for peace negotiators to break their bad habit of answering Aliyev’s every assault with artificial even-handedness and diplomatic double-talk. Only by unequivocally denouncing Azerbaijan’s attacks can they hope to constrain Aliyev’s march toward a renewed Caucasus war. An important first step would be an OSCE-lead international campaign demanding that Baku lift its opposition to the withdrawal of all snipers, a life-saving proposal that Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh have supported for over 3 years.”

On July 31st and August 1st, Azerbaijani attacks on the lines of contact with Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh have resulted in over 10 deaths. U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf issued a statement on August 1st expressing United States “concern about the escalation of violence,” but stopped short of clearly condemning Azerbaijani aggression. The statement went on to call “the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan to meet at the earliest opportunity to resume dialogue on key issues.”

Ms. Harf’s complete statement is available at:
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2014/230150.htm

Earlier in the day, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group CoChair, Ambassador James Warlick tweeted “We are seriously concerned about the recent upsurge in violence along the Line Of Contact. The ceasefire needs to be respected. #NKpeace”

ANCA launches #Save Aleppo campaign

June 6, 2014 By administrator

June 6, 2014 – 10:55 AMT

Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) launched a #Save Aleppo campaign calling President Obama to stop anti-Armenian attacks in Syria.

Attacks on the Armenian-populated quarters of Aleppo, Syria, have escalated in recent days, leading local authorities to designate the area a disaster zone.

The campaign aims to urge President Obama to stop the rebel bombing of innocent Christians and all civilians in Aleppo, press Turkey to allow the free flow of Euphrates waters to Syria, answer the ANCA’s concerns regarding Turkey’s role in the forced depopulation of the historically Armenian populated city of Kessab.

The continued rocket fire by rebel forces in the direction of the mostly-Armenian-populated Nor Gyugh neighborhood of Aleppo has forced officials to declare the area a disaster zone, and threatens the survival of the city’s Armenian community, Asbarez said.

The Aleppo News Agency reported that incessant rocket fire from rebel forces, a significant number of which are reportedly Turks or radical Islamists, continued in Nor Gyugh, endangering civilians and causing massive destruction.

Residential buildings in Nor Gyugh have been destroyed or partially demolished, while Armenian community centers and local businesses have been damaged as a result of continued shelling.

Nor Gyugh residents are fleeing the neighborhood, some heading toward the seaside city of Latakia, which is already overflowing with Armenian refugees from the insurgence of Al Qaeda-affiliated terrorist groups in Kessab earlier this spring. Others are seeking refuge in other parts of Aleppo that are not currently under heavy rocket fire, while some are relocating to the basement of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, which was damaged earlier this week as a result of the rebel attacks.

Armenian community institutions in Nor Gyugh have also sustained heavy damages, among them the Karen Jeppe Jemaran, the Zavarian and Sahakian schools, as well as the Zavarian and Sahakian kindergartens, the Armenian Catholic Holy Trinity and Zvartnots School, the Arevelk print shop, the Armenian Relief Society’s clinic and social service center and residential building that are owned by the Prelacy.

Armenian-owned businesses and stores, as well as residences are either in complete or partial destruction, making life unbearable for the citizens of the town.

Over $2 Million Raised During ANCA Telethon

June 1, 2014 By administrator

Unprecedented Grassroots Support Elevates ANCA Telethon 2014

LITTLE ARMENIA—The ANCA Telethon 2014 rallied unprecedented grassroots support during its 6 hour nationwide broadcast, today, with tens of thousands of Armenian Americans from the across the U.S. joining in a true show of community power and unity to advance the civic education efforts of the ANCA Endowment.

After a of host of informative segments on the growing Armenian American presence in all segments of civic life, along with a health dose of community commentary and entertainment, more than $2,021,763 miillion was raised at the close of the Telethon in support of the educational and grassroots development efforts of the ANCA Endowment. Highlights from the broadcast are featured on the ANCA telethon website — and the ANCA Facebook page.

This year’s telethon was accompanied by a rush of Social media support with Armenians from around the world turning to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to spread the civic development message of the ANCA Endowment. The “#goANCA” selfie campaign spotlighted community groups, families and individuals – all united around the ANCA’s community empowerment initiatives.

Supporters also showed ANCA pride, power and progress at over a dozen private receptions held across the country to ensure the organization has the financial resources it needs to expand key youth development and civic engagement programs.

Nowhere was there more enthusiasm for ANCA initiatives than on the various Armenian School campuses throughout California, where educators used ANCA Telethon as a teaching moment to instill the importance for youth civic involvement and community pride from kindergarten to the high school level.

The ANCA Endowment Fund supports a broad range of educational, youth, and civic programs that give voice to the views and values of the Armenian American community, strengthening our presence in the American civic arena, and empowering pro-Armenian stakeholders with the information and resources they need to take on the powerful forces aligned against the Armenian nation.

The first three ANCA Endowment Fund telethons, held in 2006, 2009 and 2012, raised over $6.5 million for Armenian American educational, youth, and civic programs. Both programs touched a common emotional chord, speaking directly to the devotion to the Armenian Cause that rests in the hearts of Armenians from across the U.S., regardless of organizational or political affiliations.

Countless organizations, volunteers, churches, community leaders, local ANCAs, performing artists, Members of Congress, and state legislators from across the nation participated in the telethons, contributing to their enormous success. Both telethons featured several documentaries that highlighted various ANCA programs and numerous results the ANCA Endowment has achieved over the years, largely through its volunteer and grassroots network.

Complete coverage of ANCA Telethon 2014 will be provided in the upcoming weeks. The complete program will be rebroadcast by Horizon Armenian Television offering the community additional opportunities to support the initiative by visiting www.ancatelethon.org

ANCA: Azerbaijan’s Aliyev full of irrational hatred against Armenians

May 23, 2014 By administrator

May 23, 2014 – 11:49 AMT

The Executive Director of Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) issued an open letter to all Armenians and Armenia’s friends. Aram Hamparian’s letter slams Azerbaijan’s unceasing military rhetoric and President Aliyev’s threats.

““Our main enemies are the Armenians of the world!” That’s not Talaat Pasha or Abdul Hamid talking. And these words aren’t from 1915. They were recently spoken by Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev. Baku’s oil-rich autocrat who openly lays claim to Yerevan, pardons anti-Armenian axe-killers, and, with his Turkish partners, is striving to isolate Armenia and destroy Artsakh. He’s angry, full of irrational hatred against each and every Armenian around the world. We haven’t seen a world leader demonize an entire ethnicity like this since Nazi Germany.

And it’s not just talk. He’s backed up his threats with tens of millions of lobbying dollars. With fatal cross-border attacks, sniper fire, and a vast multi-billion dollar arms build-up. Aliyev spends more on arms every year than Armenia’s entire state budget. Scary as it may be, it’s time we took Aliyev at his word. With his allies in Ankara, he’s out to finish the work of 1915. He’s announced his motive, has the opportunity, and is buying the weapons,” the letter said.

“So, what stands in his way? Well, first and foremost, the brave young men who stand guard, night and day, along the frontiers of Armenian freedom. These soldiers are true heroes. And behind these courageous defense forces (and their families) are the rest of us. You and me and the 7 out of 10 Armenians who live outside our homeland. We’re the Second Army of the Armenian nation—in many ways, our homeland’s first line of defense. But, like any army, we need our people’s support—the resources, financial and otherwise—to sustain and strengthen our advocacy.

We are not called upon to make the sacrifices of soldiers, who put their lives on the line every day. But, make no mistake, the stakes for Armenia are just as high. Armenians worldwide, inspired by the Hai Tahd movement, truly play a vital role in protecting our homeland and promoting our rights.

Today our activism is more crucial than ever. Our nation is calling to us, as she has so often before. Recall the words of our great poet Yeghishe Charents: “Oh! Armenian People, Your Salvation Lies Only in Your Collective Power.”

Charents was right then, and his wise words still echo in our hearts. In this timeless spirit of common service to our greater cause, let us, as proud sons and daughters of a united nation, rally to the call of our homeland,” the letter said.

“None of us can do everything, but each of us should do something. And a great place to start is by being part of ANCA Telethon 2014. This is, very simply, the devotion we owe to our past. The determination we owe to our future. And the sacred debt we owe to ourselves. With your enduring faith and continued support, we can fight on all the fronts of the Armenian Cause:

Securing Armenian Genocide recognition and reparations; strengthening Armenia, creating jobs, reversing out-migration, fighting corruption, fostering democracy, growing the U.S.-Armenia economic relationship, and building Homeland-Diaspora consensus and cooperation around our shared national ideals; defending and supporting the status and security of the independent Republic of Nagorno Karabagh, pushing back against Azerbaijani aggression, and fighting the growing power of anti-Armenian lobbies here in America; maintaining Armenian identity and culture in our diaspora, by engaging and inspiring our youth and encouraging civic activism, and by protecting our communities in the Middle East by ensuring the delivery of international humanitarian relief to our at-risk communities,” Hamparian concluded.

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now.

USA: ANCA, ANCA-WR Release Endorsement List for 2014 Primary Elections

May 17, 2014 By administrator

Urge Armenian Americans to Use the Power of Their Vote

GLENDALE—On Friday, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) and the Armenian National Committee of America Western Region (ANCA-WR) announced their list of endorsements in the 19 states west of the Mississippi for the June 3 primary elections, throwing the electoral power of the Armenian American community behind local, state, and federal candidates who have stood strong on issues of importance to Armenian Americans.

“We are pleased to help empower Armenian Americans to cast informed votes this election cycle by sharing our endorsements for upcoming Primary Elections for Congressional candidates from the Western United States,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “These endorsements are the result of our review of the legislative record and consultations with regional leaders, local chapters, and community activists.”

“The ANCA WR stands strong behind our select list of candidates endorsed for California Offices and joins the ANCA in their steadfast support of candidates endorsed on the federal level,” stated ANCA WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan. “We urge Armenian Americans to exercise their right to vote in the Primary Election on June 3rd and lend their voice to the candidates who have been staunch advocates of the Armenian Cause,” continued Asatryan.

The ANCA federal level endorsements are based primarily on ANCA Congressional Report Cards, a detailed review of each incumbent’s record across a broad range of Armenian American issues. These Report Cards, prepared in consultation with regional leaders and local ANCA chapters across the country, cover issues ranging from securing a just resolution of the Armenian Genocide and the strengthening U.S.-Armenia relations to defending Nagorno Karabakh’s independence, and increasing U.S. aid and trade levels.

Among the specific grading criteria were each Member’s willingness to advance pro-Armenian American legislative initiatives (resolutions, letters, etc.), including co-sponsoring the Armenian Genocide Resolution, the Return of the Churches Resolution and pro-Armenian provisions of the foreign aid bill, as well as their support for Nagorno Karabakh. Other factors include their membership in the Armenian Caucus, attendance at events, and their support for other issues important to Armenian Americans.

The ANCA’s list of Federal level endorsements for the Western Region of the United States includes:

Candidates Name	Cities in District
Raul Grijalva (D – AZ3)	Tuscon
Tony Cardenas (D – CA29)	Arleta, Mission Hills, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Sun Valley, Van Nuys
Judy Chu (D – CA27)	Arcadia, Claremont, Glendora, Monterey Park, Pasadena
Jim Costa (D – CA16)	Fresno, Merced
Jeff Denham (R – CA10)	Modesto, Tracy, Turlock
Anna Eshoo (D – CA18)	Los Gatos, Palo Alto
Janice Hahn (D – CA44)	Compton, San Pedro, South Gate
Michael Honda (D – CA17)	Cupertino, Fremont, San Jose
Doug LaMalfa (R – CA1)	Auburn, Oroville, Redding, Richville
Barbara Lee (D – CA13)	Berkeley, Oakland
Zoe Lofgren (D – CA19)	San Jose
Alan Lowenthal (D – CA47)	Long Beach
Grace Napolitano (D – CA32)	Azusa, El Monte, LaVerne, Monrovia, West Covina
Devin Nunes (R – CA22)	Clovis, Tulare, Visalia
Edward Royce (R – CA39)	Brea, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, Hacienda Heights, Rowland Heights
Linda Sanchez (D – CA38)	Cerritos, Montebello, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, Whittier
Loretta Sanchez (D – CA46)	Anaheim, Garden Grove, Orange, Santa Ana
Adam Schiff (D – CA28)	Burbank, Glendale, Hollywood
Brad Sherman (D – CA30)	Canoga Park, Encino, Northridge, Reseda, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills
Jackie Speier (D – CA14)	San Francisco, San Mateo
David Valadao (R – CA21)	Bakersfield, Fresno, Hanford
Edwin Perlmutter (D – CO7)	Lakewood, Thornton, Westminster
Dina Titus (D – NV1)	Las Vegas

The ANCA-WR, which had not traditionally made endorsements in Primary Elections, makes exceptions for select candidates who have gone above and beyond the call of duty on issues of importance to the Armenian American community. The basis for exceptions include leading, co-authoring, or co-sponsoring of resolutions and bills recognizing the Armenian Genocide, supporting the independence of Nagorno Karabagh, mandating Armenian Genocide Education Curriculum in public schools, as well as recognizing the efforts of the Near East Relief and the American people during the Armenian Genocide of 1915.

The ANCA-WR’s list of endorsements for County and State offices includes:

CA Statewide

Candidates Name and Position	District
John Perez (D) for CA State Controller	CA Statewide
John Chiang (D) for CA State Treasurer	CA Statewide

California State Senate

Candidates Name	Cities in District
Kevin De Leon (D – SEN22)	Chinatown, Eagle Rock, East Hollywood, East Los Angeles, Little Armenia
Robert Hertzberg (D – SEN18)	Pacoima, Sylmar, Toluca Lake, Sherman Oaks, Sun Valley, Van Nuys
Tony Mendoza (D – SEN32)	Downey, Montebello, Norwalk, Pico Rivera

California State Assembly

Candidates Name	Cities in District
Katcho Achadjian (R – ASM35)	San Luis Obispo
Cheryl Brown (D – ASM47)	Fontana, Rialto, San Bernardino
Ian Calderon (D – ASM57)	Hacienda Heights, La Mirada, Whittier
Matt Dababneh (D – ASM45)	Calabasas, Canoga Park, Encino, Northridge, Reseda, Woodland Hills
Steve Fox (D – ASM36)	Lancaster, Palmdale
Mike Gatto (D – ASM43)	Burbank, Eagle Rock, Glendale, Hollywood, Los Feliz
Chris Holden (D – ASM41)	Pasadena, San Dimas
Adrin Nazarian (D – ASM46)	Hollywood Hills, Panorama City, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Van Nuys
Kristen Olsen (R – ASM12)	Stockton, Tracy
Scott Wilk (R – ASM38)	Santa Clara

Los Angeles County

Candidates Name and Position	District
Jeffrey Prang for LA County Assesor	Los Angeles County

Previously, ANCA-WR’s Glendale Chapter endorsed candidate Vartan Gharpetian for Glendale City Council as well as Proposition G, both on the primary ballot for residents of Glendale, CA.

The 2014 Primary Elections will take place on June 3, 2014. In order to vote, you must be registered. The ANCA-WR urges community members who are U.S. citizens and over the age of 18 not yet registered to vote, to register by the May 19, 2014. For additional information, contact ANCA WR at 818.500.1918, info@ancawr.org, or visit www.ancawr.org.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

ANCA statement on President Barack Obama’s continued retreat from his pledge to recognize Armenian Genocide

April 24, 2014 By administrator

Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Executive Director Aram Hamparian issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s April 24th “Armenian Remembrance Day” message, which once against stops short of properly characterizing the crime as ‘genocide.’

“President Obama continues to outsource his policy on the Armenian Genocide, effectively granting Turkey a veto over America’s response to this crime against humanity.”

“It’s a sad spectacle to see our President, who came into office having promised to recognize the Armenian Genocide, reduced to enforcing a foreign government’s gag-rule on what our country can say about a genocide so very thoroughly documented in our own nation’s archives.”

“The fact remains that any durable improvement in Armenian-Turkish relations will require that Ankara end its denials, accept its moral and material responsibilities, and agree to a truthful and just international resolution of this still unpunished crime against all humanity.”

“While we do note that the President chose to join in today’s national remembrance, we remain profoundly disappointed that he has, once again, retreated from his own promises and fallen short of the principled stand taken by previous presidents. For our part, we remain committed to aligning U.S. policy on the Armenian Genocide – and all genocides – with the core values and humanitarian spirit of the American people.”

Los Feliz Reception Bolsters 2014 ANCA Telethon

April 10, 2014 By administrator

LOS ANGELES—More than 100 prominent community members from across Los Angeles gathered at the home of Hratch Manuelian and Lara Yeretsian to support the Armenian National Committee of America’s Telethon 2014. The special gathering in the Los Feliz Estates, overlooking the City of Los Angeles, was held on April 4, 2014, and included the participation of national ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian and is one of several private receptions that will be held prior to the nationwide airing of the ANCA Telethon on June 1, 2014.

“The Armenian National Committee of America is at the forefront of the Armenian Cause and any and all other Armenian issues,” remarked Lara Yeretsian, who hosted the ANCA Telethon reception at her home with her husband Hratch Manuelian. “It is imperative for every Armenian American to support and donate to the ANCA so it can continue being our voice in the U.S. Capitol,” she added.

“We want to thank longtime volunteers and community activists Lara Yeretsian and Hratch Manuelian for opening up their home to a diverse group of people who care deeply about advancing the Armenian Cause,” said ANCA Telethon Executive Committee Chairman Steve Artinian. “It is through such generosity that the ANCA, as the largest and most powerful grassroots organization in the United States, is able to advocate for Hai Tahd in the State of California and throughout the United States. The reception was a success and we know this year’s Telethon will be our best yet,” Artinian added. ANCA leaders at the local, regional and national level were on hand for the event, along with leaders of various Armenian organizations and community members from across southern California.

The entertainment for the reception was graciously provided by the talented folk singer Gor Mkhitarian. Gor has been described by James Christopher Monger of the All Music Guide as “lead[ing] the march out of the Armenian underground with a wicked blend of Armenian folk music and Western-influenced rock.” Gor Mkhitarian has consistently appeared in public service announcements for ANCA Telethons to express his support for the organization’s work in advancing the Armenian Cause.

The ANCA Telethon 2014 is a nationwide fundraising campaign designed to empower Armenian Americans, protect Armenia and promote the Armenian Cause throughout the United States. The gathering in the Hollywood Hills is part of a coordinated and major grassroots effort, featuring community events and a social networking campaign that will lead up to June 1, 2014, when the 6-hour telethon will be aired in major markets across the United States. The ANCA Telethon 2014 will be on air in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, among other major American cities, with full schedule and channel information slated to be released in the coming weeks.

In support of the ANCA Telethon 2014, countless organizations, volunteers, churches, community leaders, performing artists, politicians will be coming together to highlight the successes of the ANCA in advancing the Armenian Cause in Washington, DC and across the United States. The telethon will feature several documentaries focused on the work of the organization and the volunteers whose grassroots efforts have made the ANCA a strong and universally respected voice for the Armenian Cause.

Armenian-Turkish relations must be based on Ankara’s acceptance of truth of Genocide – ANCA

April 8, 2014 By administrator

April 08, 2014 | 04:17

Turkey’s denial of the truth and justice of the Armenian Genocide is a threat to Armenia, it is a dangerous precedent for the entire world, and it is the main obstacle on the road to the normalization of bilateral relations.

Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Executive Director Aram Hamparian told the aforesaid to Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Commenting on the newly introduced US Senate legislation on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Hamparian specifically said:

“This is a long-term measure which is aimed at the US recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and the establishment of equal, constructive, steady and long-lasting Armenian-Turkish relations, which will be based on [official] Ankara’s acceptance of a right and just decision in connection with the still-unpunished crime.”

On April 3, US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez and Senator Mark Kirk introduced legislation calling upon the United States President to work toward an Armenian-Turkish relationship based on Turkey’s truthful acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide.

Senators Barbara Boxer and Ed Markey have already joined in as original cosponsors of the human rights measure.

In a statement issued upon introduction, Chairman Menendez noted, in particular, “The Armenian Genocide is a horrifying factual reality that can never be denied. This resolution reaffirms in the strongest terms that we will always remember this tragedy. The Armenian Genocide must be taught, recognized, and commemorated to prevent the re-occurrence of similar atrocities from ever happening again.”

Senator Kirk concurred specifically noting, “To honor the survivors and the memory of those lost, and to lead globally on human rights, the United States should finally join the European Union and 11 of our NATO allies in officially recognizing the Armenian Genocide.”