Armenian Assembly of America
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Phone: 202-393-3434
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PRESS RELEASE

October 1, 2008
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: mzachariades@aaainc.org
Phone: (202) 393-3434

MCCAIN, PALIN ISSUE LETTER TO THE ARMENIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY

Washington, DC – The McCain-Palin campaign issued a letter to the
Armenian-American community today, reported the Armenian Assembly of
America (Assembly). In the letter, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) wrote that
he is "grateful for all of the contributions that Armenian-Americans
have made to our wonderful country," and that he "greatly value[s] the
opportunity to stand with the Armenian-American community."

Regarding U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, the statement
refrains from referring to the events of 1915-1923 as genocide, and
instead employs a dictionary definition. McCain said, "It is fair to say
that one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century, the brutal
murder of as many as one and a half million Armenians under the rule of
the Ottoman Empire, has also been one of the most neglected. The
suffering endured by the Armenian people during that period represented
the prologue to what has come to be known as humanity’s bloodiest
century." He added that "It is our responsibility to recognize those
tragic events and to ensure that our world never experiences the impact
of the bloody conflicts that so filled the 20th century."

McCain also thanked Armenia for her "support of coalition operations in
Iraq and NATO peacekeeping efforts in Kosovo."

The Armenian Assembly of America, as a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan advocacy
organization is prohibited by law from endorsing, supporting or opposing
candidates for elected office.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding
and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt
membership organization.

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NR#2008-069

Editor’s Note – McCain-Palin Letter can be read by following the link
below:

new/McCain-Palin_-_Armenian-American_Community.pdf