ANC NEWS: Colorado Congressman Acknowledges Genocide

Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918 Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
Monday, August 22, 2005

Contact: Armen Carapetian

Tel: (818) 500-1918

COLORADO CONGRESSMAN ACKNOWLEDGES ARMENIAN GENOCIDE TO CONSTITUENTS

— ANCA-WR Praises Rep. Tancredo for His Unwavering Stance

CASTLE ROCK, CO – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western
Region (ANCA-WR) today praised Republican Representative Thomas G. Tancredo
(CO-6) for his moral stance on the Armenian Genocide.

In letters the Congressman sent in response to constituents asking for his
support of the Armenian Genocide resolutions pending in the 109th Congress,
Rep. Tancredo wrote “I believe that the atrocities committed against the
Armenian people is worthy of the term ‘genocide’. It was carried out the
Ottoman Empire in 1915-1916, and large numbers of Armenians were
methodically massacred.”

Colorado Armenian American community leaders and activists who began
receiving the letters this month expressed their appreciation for the
Congressman’s candid remarks. Long-time ANCA-WR supporter and community
leader, Dr. Garo Chalian, and ANC activist Simon Maghakyan, who were among
the constituents receiving Rep. Tancredo’s response, were encouraged by the
Congressman’s clear and unambiguous statement. Last week, ANCA Government
Affairs Director Kate Nahapetian met members of Representative’s staff in
Washington, DC to extend thanks to the Congressman and to discuss pressing
foreign affairs matters of concern to Armenian Americans.

“Congressman Tancredo voted for passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution
in 2000,” cited Steven Dadaian, Chairman of the ANCA-WR. “Having his support
again is critical as he serves on the House International Relations
Committee.”

The State of Colorado has a growing and vibrant Armenian American community.
Armenians of Colorado, an organization dedicated to advancing understanding
of Armenian history, culture, religion, language, and heritage, has
consistently maintained strong ties with the Colorado state officials and
its Congressional delegation. In 2003, the Colorado General Assembly
permanently designated April 24th “Colorado Day of Remembrance of the
Armenian Genocide” urged the United States Congress to likewise act to
commemorate the Armenian Genocide.

Two resolutions dealing with the Armenian Genocide have been introduced in
the 109th session of the House of Representatives. H.Res. 316 was introduced
on June 14, 2005 by Rep. George Radanovich (CA-19), and Rep. Adam Schiff
introduced H.Con.Res. 195 on June 29th. Both H.Res. 316 and H.Con. Res. 195
enjoy strong bi-partisan support, to date having earned 112 and 83
cosponsors, respectively. The resolutions have been referred to the House
International Relations Committee and are currently pending markup in the
Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations,
where Rep. Tancredo serves.

The ANCA is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots
political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated
organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of
the Armenian-American community on a broad range of issues.

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www.anca.org