PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 16,2009
Contact: Michael A. Zachariades
Email: mzachariades@aaainc.org
Phone: (202) 393-3434
SUPPORT FOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION CONTINUES TO GROW
Armenian Assembly Efforts Yield Results
Washington, DC – Since the protocols to establish diplomatic relations
between Armenia and Turkey were announced in August, the Armenian
Genocide resolution, H.Res. 252, has garnered an additional seven
cosponsors, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly). This
brings the total number of supporters to 134.
"The Assembly welcomes the support of Reps. Brian Bilbray (R-CA);
Elton Gallegly (R-CA); Darrell Issa (R-CA); Steve Israel (D-NY); John
Hall (D-NY); Laura Richardson (D-CA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA)," said
Assembly Congressional Relations Associate Bianka Dodov. "We look
forward to continuing to work with Congress on this important human
rights initiative," added Executive Director Bryan
Ardouny. "U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide should not be held
hostage to normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey."
Ardouny and Dodov met with Congressman Bilbray to discuss issues
concerning the Armenian-American community. Bilbray expressed interest
in working with the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues,
Co-Chaired by Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL), to
further strengthen the U.S.-Armenia relationship. During the meeting,
the Congressman also pledged his support regarding H.Res. 252.
"I support the resolution," said Bilbray. Currently, Bilbray serves on
the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the Committee
on Veterans’ Affairs and the Science and Technology Committee. He is
also a member of the House Republican Policy Committee and the
Chairman of the Immigration Reform Caucus.
Recently, Assembly Western Region Director Yeghig Keshishian and
Southern Regional Council Member Al Cabraloff met with Rep. Richardson
and discussed the Armenian Caucus, which the Congresswoman has also
joined, as well as cosponsoring H.Res. 252. Adding her support to the
Armenian Genocide Resolution, Richardson said, "I am proud to
co-sponsor H. Res. 252, the Affirmation of the United States Record on
the Armenian Genocide Resolution."
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#2009-071
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress