Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
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PRESS RELEASE

April 17, 2009
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: mzachariades@aaainc.org
Phone: (202) 393-3434

CONGRESSMAN JIM MCGOVERN SENDS LETTER ASKING PRESIDENT OBAMA TO AFFIRM
THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Washington, DC – As Congress prepares to reconvene following the April
recess, Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA), a member of the Armenian
Caucus and Co-Chair of the Human Rights Commission, sent a letter to
President Barack Obama yesterday thanking the President for his "firm
and consistent position and remarks regarding the need to recognize the
Armenian Genocide," reported the Armenian Assembly of America
(Assembly).

In the letter, Representative McGovern also indicated that he
understands "the pressures that are brought to bear to remain silent on
the historical truth of this terrible chapter in history."

He noted that in his hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts there is only
one remaining survivor of the Armenian Genocide, Heghine Minassian, and
stated that, on her behalf, "I hope and I ask that you officially
recognize the Armenian Genocide next week on the occasion of its 94th
Anniversary."

"We applaud Congressman McGovern for his steadfast support with respect
to U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide," stated Assembly Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny, adding, "We look forward to hearing President
Obama’s statement on April 24."

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#2009-036

Editor’s Note:

Full text of Representative McGovern’s letter.
April_16_McGovern_Lette
r_to_Obama.PDF