U.S. ELECTIONS RAISE ARMENIAN HOPES FOR GENOCIDE RESOLUTION

Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
Nov 9 2006

Washington, DC – The balance of power has shifted in Washington as
Democrats took control over the House of Representatives, paving the
way for Armenian Caucus Member Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to become
the first female Speaker of the House. Pelosi’s anticipated rise,
coupled with the likelihood of numerous Caucus Democrats picking up
important leadership positions, will expand the scope and influence
of this important body in the next congressional session.

As part of that power shift, House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill)
will pass the Speaker’s gavel to Pelosi, making her the first Armenian
Caucus Member to hold that position.

In a press release issued on Wednesday the Armenian Assembly of
America (AAA), the largest Washington-based nationwide organization
promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues,
refers to Pelosi’s strong record of support on Armenian-American
issues and says she has regularly called on the Administration to
properly acknowledge the Armenian Genocide.

She is currently a cosponsor of H. Res. 316 – a bill that affirms
the attempted annihilation of the Armenian people as genocide. Last
year, Pelosi participated in a Capitol Hill observance of the 90th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and in April 2001, spoke on
the floor of the House saying that "the Armenian Genocide is a
historical fact. The Republic of Turkey has adamantly refused to
acknowledge that the Genocide happened on its soil, but the evidence
is irrefutable….We must learn from the past and never forget the
victims of the Armenian Genocide."

Additionally, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) will run for Majority
Leader, and if elected, will be another Caucus first. Like Pelosi,
Hoyer has co-sponsored legislation reaffirming the Genocide and has
given commemoration addresses to Congress during the month of April.

During the Assembly’s pan-Armenian Advocacy Conference in March of
this year, Hoyer pledged to continue fighting for U.S. reaffirmation
of the Genocide and said that he has asked Turkish leaders why they
cannot acknowledge the crimes.

"Representatives Pelosi and Hoyer have strong records on Armenian
issues of any Democratic leadership and we look forward to building
on these strong relationships, as well as others in the House, to
address issues and concerns facing Armenian-Americans, as well as
our homeland," said Board of Trustees Executive Committee Member
Annie Totah.

In total, some 50 Democratic Armenian Caucus Members are positioned
to take over important leadership positions and full committee
chairmanships.

"The Assembly congratulates Armenian-American supporters in the Senate
and House on their victory and looks forward to reaching out to new
members in the coming year," said Assembly Executive Director Bryan
Adouny. "To that end, we also encourage Armenian Americans to join
us in our outreach efforts and build on our advocacy successes in
the current Congress."

Ardouny noted that, with this election, the anticipated leadership of

the 110th Congress will offer new opportunities to pass an Armenian
Genocide resolution, to ensure that attempts by Armenia’s neighbors
to isolate her are addressed, and to make security issues facing
Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia priorities.

When Congress returns next week for the lame duck session, several
outstanding items remain including the rail legislation, appropriations
funding for Armenia and Karabakh, as well as the confirmation process

for Ambassador-designate Richard E. Hoagland.

The 110th congressional session will convene in January when
the Speaker of the House will be elected by the full House of
Representatives.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress