Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: info@aaainc.org
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2004
CONTACT: David Zenian
Email: Zenian@aaainc.org
CONGRESSMAN MORAN OF KANSAS JOINS ARMENIAN CAUCUS
Washington, DC – At the urging of Armenian Assembly activists, fifth
term Congressman Jerry Moran (R-KS) joined the Congressional Caucus
on Armenian Issues Monday, bringing the total Caucus membership to
date in the 109th Congress to 137.
Congressman Moran, who serves on the Agriculture, Transportation and
Infrastructure and Veteran’s Affairs Committees, was first approached
by Kansas Armenian activists and ARAMAC Kansas State Chair Alex
Kotoyantz, who was instrumental in securing a proclamation earlier
this year designating June 18 as “Kansas-Armenia Partnership Day.”
“I was encouraged by the dedication of people like Alex to
join. The Armenian Caucus has played an important role in the
House of Representatives, and I am proud to be its latest member,”
said Congressman Moran, who becomes the first member of the Kansas
delegation to join the Caucus.
“I have followed the work of the Caucus and its role in building
strong ties between the United States and Armenia, and by joining
this group of dedicated legislators, I hope to do more to further
enhance these already strong relations,” Congressman Moran said.
Welcoming Congressman Moran’s membership in the Caucus, Assembly
Executive Director Ross Vartian said:
“The Assembly extends its appreciation and thanks to Congressman
Moran for his expression of support and decision to be more directly
involved in issues of importance to the Armenian-American community,
including Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.”
Kotoyantz, a retired geologist and engineer who worked for the Kansas
Department of Transportation for decades, said: “Congressman Moran
did not need any convincing. I am humbled by his decision to join
the Caucus.”
The Armenian Caucus was formed in 1995 to provide a bi-partisan forum
for legislators to discuss how the United States can better assist the
people of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Co-Chaired by Representatives
Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), the Caucus has,
over the years, played a critical role on a wide range of issues,
including assistance programs for Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, the
ongoing Azerbaijani and Turkish blockades, the Karabakh peace process
and efforts to reaffirm the U.S. record on the Armenian Genocide.
“The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
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Photograph available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following link:
Caption: Congressman Jerry Moran (R-KS)
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