PRESS RELEASE:
U.S.-Armenia Public Affairs Committee (USAPAC) Launches Operations
New National Armenian-American Advocacy Organization
Opens Headquarters in Washington, DC
December 8, 2006
U.S.-Armenia Public Affairs Committee (USAPAC)
1518 K Street, NW, Suite M
Washington, DC 20005
Contact: Ross Vartian
Telephone: 202-230-8125
Washington, DC – A group of Armenian-American activists have established the
U.S. – Armenia Public Affairs Committee (USAPAC) and three associated
entities, which, together, are the platform for a new Armenian-American
advocacy organization dedicated to promoting and defending
Armenian-American interests.
In view of the many challenges faced by the Republics of Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh and the leading role played by the United States in international
affairs, USAPAC founders are convinced of the need for robust and growing
Armenian-American activism in support of the homeland. By linking with
like-minded colleagues nationwide, USAPAC will develop into a powerful and
effective addition to the Armenian-American lobby.
USAPAC’s affiliated entities will include the Council on U.S.-Armenia
Relations, a tax-exempt educational and advocacy charity, the U.S.-Armenia
Political Action Committee, an electioneering entity, and the Committee on
U.S.-Armenia Issues, a voter education group. The four entities will
function as a powerful matrix serving to expand the breadth and reach of
Armenian-Americans’ political influence, while taking full advantage of all
advocacy and electioneering laws and regulations.
In a message to national Armenian-American originations, USAPAC stated, `As
we explored new ways to respond to the forces arrayed against
Armenian-American concerns and objectives, we looked to one of the most
effective groups in the U.S. that also faces comparable forces in opposition
to its agenda – the Jewish Lobby. This community’s advocacy preeminence can
be attributed in significant measure to its diversity and sheer numbers of
national, regional and local advocacy organizations that can be relied upon
time after time to act with remarkable coordination. Our community has
every reason to emulate this method of strength in numbers and unity of
purpose.’
USAPAC has appointed long time community activist Ross Vartian as its
Executive Director, and has engaged Rob Mosher as its Director of Government
Affairs. USAPAC has established its headquarters in Washington DC.
`There are great opportunities for the Armenian-American community to expand
its advocacy activities. USAPAC will place strong emphasis on educating the
community on issues and political candidates, as well as political
fundraising and grassroots activism,’ said Ross Vartian. `We want to help
the Armenian-American community further elevate its political profile.
Over time, USAPAC will enhance the scope of activities and contribute to
advancing the community’s agenda’ he concluded.
Rob Mosher stated, `We look forward to working in cooperation with the two
primary Armenian-American advocacy organizations with Washington presence,
the Armenia Assembly of America (AAA) and the Armenian National Committee of
America (ANCA), as well as other Armenian-American organizations and
individuals committed to Armenian civic causes.’
USAPAC received its initial funding through a grant from Gerard L. Cafesjian
and the Cafesjian Family Foundation. `This is a truly momentous event in
the history of Armenian advocacy in the United States and I want to express
USAPAC’s appreciation to the Cafesjian Family Foundation and to Gerry
Cafesjian personally for their vision and determination. Gerry and his
Foundation have worked to advance and assist unique charitable, economic and
civic action causes both in Armenia and the United States for over a decade,
and have been active participants in and supporters of Armenian-American
advocacy efforts. We are most grateful for their support of USAPAC’ said
Vartian.
The U.S.-Armenia Public Affairs Committee is a 501(c)(4) tax-exempt and
not-for-profit organization established to advance Armenian-American
interests.