WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) has intensified its advocacy on Capitol Hill, prompted by security concerns as a result of Azerbaijan’s increased aggression along the borders of Armenia and Artsakh, which has included the targeting of and substantial damage to a kindergarten in Armenia’s Tavush region.
From the Assembly’s testimony in the House and Senate and its outreach to Members of Congress, the Assembly remains dedicated to underscoring the need to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its actions. The Assembly also continues to emphasize the importance of humanitarian and development aid for the people of Artsakh.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA) reiterated his support for assistance to Artsakh as well as a robust cease-fire monitoring system, which Armenia and Artsakh have agreed to implement. When he met with Assembly Terjenian-Thomas interns this summer, Royce highlighted the letter he spearheaded with Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY) which proposes three concrete steps that would save lives in Artsakh and help to avert war.
In addition, the Assembly has called for Members to withdraw their Membership from the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, and given the ongoing violations by Azerbaijan, renews its call.
Working in tandem with the Assembly Co-Chairs and helping to lead the charge, long-time Board Member Annie Totah organized several Assembly delegations and held numerous meetings with elected officials to reinforce the Assembly’s message. Mrs. Totah met with, among others, Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), House Minority Whip Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD), and freshman Rep. Anthony Brown (D-MD).
An Assembly delegation with Mrs. Totah met with Sen. Van Hollen, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs. They relayed the importance of U.S. assistance to Armenia and Artsakh, and shared the testimony submitted by Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny to the Subcommittee for Fiscal Year 2018 highlighting key priorities, including deep concerns regarding Azerbaijan’s deadly ceasefire violations and its targeting of civilians occurring more frequently with recent reports of continuous attacks at the line of contact.
Mrs. Totah continued her outreach with Congressman Steny Hoyer, a long-time friend and ardent supporter of Armenian issues. He has been a steadfast supporter of congressional efforts to combat genocide denial by reaffirming the proud chapter in U.S. history in helping to save survivors of the Armenian Genocide. She thanked him for all the work he has done helping Artsakh and Armenia.
More recently, Rep. Hoyer was vocal in condemning Turkey for the violence against peaceful protesters outside the Turkish Ambassador’s residence and voted in support of H.R. 354. He stated: “Our resolution makes it clear, the United States will not tolerate violence against peaceful protesters on our shores and those responsible must face justice.”
Mrs. Totah also met with Rep. Brown and described the role and work of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues. She and the Assembly staff urged him to join the growing Armenian Caucus, which is currently comprised of 109 Members of Congress. During her conversation with Tom Perez, who was elected this year to serve as the Chair of the Democratic National Committee, Mrs. Totah discussed the importance of U.S.-Armenia relations and the strong and vibrant Armenian communities across the country that care deeply about their homeland.
“The Armenian Assembly will continue to advance key priorities as we seek to further strengthen U.S.-Armenia and U.S.-Artsakh relations and hold Azerbaijan accountable for its egregious human rights violations,” Ardouny stated. “We also deeply appreciate Annie’s tireless advocacy on behalf of the Armenian people. Her enthusiasm and dedication are truly remarkable. We look forward to her significant and continued efforts,” he added.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
(Artsakh) is marking the 26th anniversary of its independence on Saturday, September 2, with Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan participating in celebratory events in Karabakh.
,The reconstruction of the kindergarten “Sossé Mayrig” in pictures.
The Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) Defense Army will launch counter-offensive actions and expand the existing security zone should Azerbaijan initiate a new attack, Artsakh Defense Minister Levon Mnatsakanyan told in an exclusive interview to Armenian Public Channel’s “Off the Agenda” program aired on Saturday evening.
On 10 May, President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan together with Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan paid a visit to the Kashen mining complex n Karabakh’s Martakert region. The representatives of the “Base Metals” CJSC, which is operating the mine, briefed on the mining capabilities, the issues related to its operation, as well as their achievements and development projects to the heads of the two Armenian republics. Panorma.am was informed form the Press Service of the RA President’s Office.
A year ago, on the night of 1 April 2016, Azerbaijan was carrying out a massive attack across the front line of the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) wishing to take the Armenian Army by surprise.
The Artsakh Republic (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR) has launched the restoration works of the part of Askeran Fortress adjacent to Stepanakert-Askeran road. The program is implemented due to the financing of the Artsakh Government with 51 million AMD having been allocated to the program from the state budget.
“Artsakhakertum” non-governmental organization along with Artsakh Journalists Union organizes an international forum of bloggers in Stepanakert, Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh Republic) on March 19-20 with around 30 bloggers from 11 states expected to attend the event.
The leadership of Artsakh Republic (Nagorno Karabakh Republic) have launched an initiative to attract investments and resources for building solar power station in the country, Tigran Abrahamyan, aide to Artsakh President wrote on his Facebook page.
STEPANAKERT. – Since Friday morning the Azerbaijani armed forces have been violating the ceasefire regime in the northern direction using mortars of different calibers, including 120 mm and D-44 divisional gun.