Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: info@aaainc.org
Web:

PRESS RELEASE
July 02, 2008
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: mzachariades@aaainc.org
Phone: (202) 393-3434

SPEAKER PELOSI NAMES ARMENIAN CAUCUS MEMBER CONGRESSMAN MCGOVERN
CO-CHAIR OF CONGRESSIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS CAUCUS

Armenian Assembly Welcomes McGovern’s Appointment

Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) welcomes
Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) recent selection of Congressman Jim
McGovern (D-MA) to replace the late Congressman Tom Lantos, the
Co-Founder of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, as the new
Co-Chair.

Chairman Lantos was an ardent defender of human rights throughout his
distinguished career in Congress. During the 110th Congress, Lantos
strongly supported efforts to end the genocide in Darfur, as well as
voted for House Resolution 106, which combats ongoing attempts to deny
the historical truth of the Armenian Genocide.

In fact, last October, Lantos, in his role as Chairman of the House
Foreign Affairs Committee voted in support of this critical human
rights bill and stated, "This is one of those events which has to be
settled once and for all: 1.5 million utterly innocent Armenian men,
women and children were slaughtered. And the Turkish government, until
now, has intimidated the Congress of the United States from taking
this measure. I think it’s important, at a time when genocides are
going on in Darfur and elsewhere, not to be an accomplice in sweeping
an important genocide under the rug."

"I am honored by Speaker Pelosi’s decision and look forward to working
with my colleagues to address critical issues facing us today," said
Congressman McGovern. "From ending the current genocidal campaign in
Darfur and preventing future genocides by reaffirming the historical
truth of the Armenian Genocide, I want to ensure that this important
body carries forward the legacy of the great Tom Lantos," McGovern
continued.

McGovern, like Lantos, strongly supports a wide range of human rights
legislation, including H.Res.106. In addition, he is an active member
of the Armenian Caucus, serves as Vice-Chairman of the House Rules
Committee and is a member of the House Budget Committee.

"Congressman McGovern understands the important role Congress can play
in not only bringing attention to human rights abuses, but also in
shaping solutions to address them. The Armenian Assembly is committed
to working with the Caucus on issues of mutual concern," said Assembly
Executive Director Bryan Ardouny.

The Human Rights Caucus was founded in 1983 by Co-Chairman Tom Lantos
(D-CA) and former Co-Chairman John Edward Porter (R-IL). In 2001, the
Caucus welcomed Congressman Frank R. Wolf (R-VA) as Co-Chair when
Porter retired from Congress. The Caucus has united the efforts of
legislators to fight religious persecution, defend fundamental human
rights and has demonstrated the importance of human rights to
Congress.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly 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.

###

NR#2008-054

Photo Caption: Assembly Congressional Relations Associate Bianka
Dodov, Rep. Jim McGovern and Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny

ages/PR_-_2008/June-July/Bianka_Dodov__Rep_McGover n__Bryan_Ardony.JPG