PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
November 19, 2009
Contact: Press Department
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434
ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY WELCOMES SENATE MAJORITY LEADER REID’S SUPPORT OF
THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION
Washington, DC – Today, the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly)
welcomed news that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has agreed
to cosponsor S. Res. 316, the Armenian Genocide Resolution.
In a letter sent to Reid last week the Assembly thanked the Senator
for his past support of U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide
and urged the Senator to cosponsor S. Res. 316, introduced by Senators
Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and John Ensign (R-NV).
The letter read in part, "By affirming the truth in the face of
denial, you will help contribute to the cause of genocide education
and prevention, and give true meaning to the words ‘never again.’ We
look forward to working with you in helping to secure successful
passage of this important human rights legislation this Congress
before the few remaining survivors are no longer with us."
"Senator Reid has consistently supported legislation affirming the
Armenian Genocide," said Assembly Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Hirar Hovnanian. "With his leadership role in the U.S. Senate as
Majority Leader, his addition to the resolution greatly strengthens
the growing list of cosponsors."
The Assembly letter also reiterated the importance of bringing this
important human rights legislation to a successful vote in the
Senate. S. Res. 316 mirrors the House version, H. Res. 252,
introduced by Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) and George Radanovich
(R-CA), along with Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Frank
Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL), which currently has over 130
cosponsors and is pending before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
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.