Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th St., NW, Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2004
Contact: Serouj Aprahamian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES CONTINUE
TO SPEAK OUT ON ARMENIAN ISSUES
— Incumbents and Challengers Reach out to Armenian American
Voters through the ANCA Candidate Questionnaire
“I will continue to support a strong
U.S.-Armenian relationship. Our nations
stand together, determined to create a
future of peace, prosperity, and freedom
for the citizens of both countries,
regions, and the world.”
Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ-5)
WASHINGTON, DC – In the final weeks before the November 2nd
elections, Congressional candidates from around the nation continue
to submit Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Candidate
Questionnaires outlining their views on Armenian American issues.
The ANCA questionnaires were sent to over 1,000 Congressional
candidates throughout the country as part of this election cycle’s
ANCA voter education drive. Copies of both the Congressional and
Presidential questionnaires can be downloaded by visiting the ANCA
website at Also provided on this website are sample
cover letters and instructions for forwarding the questionnaires to
candidates.
The ANCA’s election year voter education campaign helps inform
Armenian Americans about the policy issues impacting Armenia,
Nagorno Karabagh, and the Armenian American community. The
campaign also provides timely and reliable information on the
records and views of the candidates seeking Armenian American
votes, while encouraging increased civic participation in local,
state, and national elections.
The Questionnaire features nine questions about recognition of the
Armenian Genocide; U.S. support for Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh;
U.S.-Armenia economic relations; Self-determination for Nagorno
Karabagh; Conditions on U.S. aid to Azerbaijan; the Turkish
blockade of Armenia, and; the U.S. subsidy of the Baku-Ceyhan
pipeline bypass of Armenia.
Provided below are several recent responses from Congressional
candidates throughout United States.
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Question 1: The Armenian Genocide
Do you support Congressional initiatives and resolutions to
commemorate the Armenian Genocide?
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Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA-53): We must recognize and condemn all acts
of genocide against all races. I have supported resolutions in
Congress doing so. The international community must also address
ways to prevent future genocides and work to stop current
genocides.
Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL-19): Congress plays an important role in
insuring that the Armenian Genocide is not overlooked or forgotten.
I am proud to play my role and will do all I can to help remember
the 1.5 million Armenians who were massacred.
Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI-5): The fate of one and a half
million Armenians at the hands of Young Turks in the early part of
the 20th Century remains one of the darkest moments in the history
of the world. I have long recognized the genocide inflicted upon
the Armenian people. This is why as Chairman of the House
Judiciary committee, I cosponsored and expeditiously voted out of
my committee, legislation affirming America’s support of the
Genocide Convention Implementation Act of 1987. Although we cannot
do anything about the people who were murdered, we can remember the
events that transpired, and honor the citizens of Armenia by
commemorating the Armenian Genocide.
Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN-4): The atrocities committed against the
Armenian people between 1915 and 1923 must be recognized for what
they were: genocide. I believe that the truth about the Armenian
Genocide should be understood by all and officially acknowledged by
the United States government, as well as the Turkish government.
If we continue to react with silence regarding these events and are
unwilling to stand up and publicly condemn these atrocities, we
effectively give our approval to abuses of power such as the
Armenian Genocide.
—————————————————————-
Question 2: U.S. Support for Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh
Do you support U.S. aid and other bilateral programs to strengthen
Armenia’s independence?
—————————————————————-
Rep. Steve Rothman (D-NJ-9): As a Member of the Foreign Operations
Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue
to work to ensure that Armenia receives the assistance it needs to
become a flourishing and self-sufficient country.
House Candidate Bill Federer (R-MO-3): Yes. Armenia has a long
and noble history as its own nation!
Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI-6): I am a proud member of the Armenian
Issues Caucus and support US aid to Armenia.
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL-18): I fully support maintaining a
high level of economic assistance, along with the necessary
military and humanitarian assistance to Armenia, both to help the
country overcome the dual blockade which continues to impede
Armenia’s economic well-being, as well as to continue the shift in
U.S. assistance programs, away from humanitarian goals to longer
term development ones.
—————————————————————-
Question 3: U.S. Support for Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh
Do you support continued U.S. developmental and humanitarian
assistance to Nagorno Karabagh?
—————————————————————-
Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI-Senate): Yes, Nagorno-Karabagh needs
continued developmental and humanitarian assistance from the U.S.,
especially due to the damaging blockades of trade and assistance
imposed by Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Rep. Thaddeus McCottter (R-MI-11): Definitely. The NK region
needs our help to not only grow, but to combat the economic
consequences of the blockades.
—————————————————————-
Question 4: U.S. – Armenia Economic Relations
Do you support expanding the U.S.-Armenia economic relations,
including extending permanent normal trade relations for Armenia
and negotiating a Social Security Agreement and Tax Treaty?
—————————————————————-
Senate Candidate Inez Tenenbaum (D-SC-Senate): I will support the
right of Armenians everywhere to live in a peaceful, democratic,
and secure society.
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA-7): The ascension of Armenia to the World
Trade Organization will begin to stabilize trade relations with the
United States. It is a step in the right direction because free
trade with Armenia will have a positive effect on not only the
economy of that country but that of the United States as well. All
free trade promotes job creation and economic growth throughout the
world; by helping Armenia we are helping the American economy
prosper.
Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL-19): I support extending permanent normal
trade relations between the United States and Armenia as a means of
strengthening the bonds and the commitment between our nations.
—————————————————————-
Question 5: Self-Determination for Nagorno Karabagh
Do you support Nagorno Karabagh’s right to self-determination
within secure borders?
—————————————————————-
House Candidate Robert M. Neeld (D-FL-14): Yes. Security would
help stabilize the region and allow a return of local culture.
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC-2): I believe Azerbaijan should stop the
economic blockade of Armenia and believe Armenians should have the
right to live within secure borders in a democratic society.
House Candidate Joe Driscoll (D-PA-15): The Congress, in the
fiscal year 2003 foreign aid bill, should encourage the
Administration to deliver previously appropriated aid to Nagorno
Karabagh in a timely manner, and to allocate no less than $10
million specifically for reconstruction and economic development
activities to help the people of Nagorno Karabagh recover.
—————————————————————-
Question 6: Conditions on U.S. Aid to Azerbaijan
Do you support maintaining Section 907 as a statement of U.S.
opposition to Azerbaijan’s blockades?
—————————————————————-
Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA-13): I support maintaining Section 907 until
Azerbaijan removes the threat of any blockades against Armenia and
Nagorno-Karabagh.
Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI-11): Yes. Azerbaijan must be held
accountable for their actionseconomic injustice must not be
rewarded. I signed a letter to President Bush asking for parity in
foreign military aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan, maintaining the
intent and the language of the Section 907.
—————————————————————-
Question 7: The Turkish Blockade of Armenia
Do you support legislative and other means to encourage Turkey to
end its blockade of Armenia?
—————————————————————-
Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA-40): Yes. Turkey’s blockade has inflated
Armenia’s transportation costs by 30-35%, stifling its trade and
economy. I have written to the President asking that he reiterate
his Administration’s position to the Turkish government that the
blockade be lifted.
Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI-11): Turkey, too, must be held
accountable, both for the Genocide of the past, and their blockades
of today. The world must never forget what they did and what they
still try to do today.
—————————————————————-
Question 8: The Turkish Blockade of Armenia
Do you support linking U.S. arms sales/transfers to Turkey to its
blockade of Armenia, occupation of Cyprus, mistreatment of Kurds,
restrictions on Christian communities, and human rights record?
—————————————————————-
House Candidate Joe Driscoll (D-PA-15): Congress should carefully
scrutinize proposed sales and transfers of U.S. military hardware
to Turkey, and ensure strict enforcement of Code of Conduct
legislation limiting arms sales to regimes, including Turkey, that
violate human rights or engage in aggression against neighboring
states.
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI-8): I support conditions on U.S. arms sales
to any nation that is in violation of international law and
disregards human rights.
—————————————————————-
Question 9: U.S. Subsidy of Baku-Ceyhan Pipeline Bypass
Do you oppose U.S. taxpayer subsidies for a Baku-Ceyhan pipeline
route that avoids Armenia?
—————————————————————-
Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN-4): The United States should not
subsidize any oil or gas pipeline in the South Caucasus that is
against the interests of U.S. taxpayers and fails to advance the
U.S. goal of helping Armenia advance toward a more prosperous
economic future.
Rep. Joe Baca (D-CA-43): I believe Armenia is a safe site for the
pipeline and it would be a boom to economic development.
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress