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Highlights of 2005 ANCA-WR Annual Banquet

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  • Highlights of 2005 ANCA-WR Annual Banquet

    Over 600 attend, including dozens of federal, state, and local legislators

    LOS ANGELESThe Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region
    (ANCA-WR)
    hosted its Annual Banquet on Sunday, September 18, 2005 at the Renaissance
    Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles with over 600 in attendance. The event raised
    over $200,000 and played host to dozens of federal, state, and local
    legislators, and hundreds of Armenian American activists.
    Alex Sardar, who served as the ANCA-WR's Executive Director from 2000 to 2002
    and who currently represents Counterpart International in Armenia, was the
    Master of Ceremonies for the event. At the opening of the program, the
    Glendale
    Police Department Honor Guard, which was comprised of Armenian American
    officers, was on hand to present the flags of the US and the Republic of
    Armenia. Banquet benefactors Khachik and Elo Mouradian were joined by Frank
    and
    Houri Melkonian, Ashken Pilavjian, John and Asdghik Bedrosian, and Sarkis and
    Noune Sepetjian in cosponsoring the event.
    "The Annual Banquet is a wonderful opportunity for the Western Region to
    reach
    out, as it always has in a bipartisan effort, to its legislative supporters
    and
    community activists to thank them for their support and urge continued support
    on issues of concern to all Armenians," said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian.
    During the banquet, the ANCA-WR presented California State Senator Jackie
    Kanchelian-Speier (D-San Francisco/San Mateo) with its Woman of the Year
    Award.
    Senator Speier was honored at the banquet for her long-lasting and continued
    support of issues that are of concern to the Armenian American community.
    Since her time as an Assemblywoman, Senator Speier has authored numerous
    measures of interest to Armenian Americans with an unprecedented overall
    record
    of over 300 pieces of legislation that have been signed into law. Among her
    most recent accomplishments, Senator Speier authored the 2005 Armenian
    Genocide
    resolution in the state of California, and along with fellow Armenian American
    legislator Senator Chuck Poochigian (R-Fresno), authored SB 424, which was
    signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to permanently designate
    April 24 as California Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide.
    Senator Speier, who is running for Lieutenant Governor in 2006, was given the
    award by friend and colleague, State Senator Chuck Poochigian, who has
    announced his candidacy for Attorney General in 2006. If victorious, the two
    will become the two highest ranking Armenian American state legislators in
    California.
    In her acceptance speech, Senator Speier reaffirmed her commitment to the
    Armenian American community, and described the difficulties she faced as a
    young Armenian American growing up in the United States in the 1950's. She
    also
    praised the ANCA-WR for the continued pressure it has put forth on Congress
    and
    the US government to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide.
    "The Armenian National Committee of America has gone beyond the call of duty
    in pushing Congress to recognize the Armenian Genocide, and I applaud them,"
    said Senator Speier.
    Also honored during the evening's festivities was the ANCA's Elizabeth S.
    Chouldjian, Communications Director for the ANCA National Headquarters in
    Washington, DC, who was honored with the Vahan Cardashian Award for her years
    of hard work in advancing the Armenian Cause. Vahan Cardashian, after whom the
    award was named, was the tireless engine behind the effort for American
    support
    for the fledgling Republic of Armenia in 1918 and the US Mandate to safeguard
    the promises in the Treaty of Sevres. After the fall of the Armenian Republic,
    Cardashian remained steadfast in his efforts to ensure that the United States
    would not succumb to signing the defeatist Treaty of Lausanne, which due to
    Cardashian's efforts, the US never did. Cardashian was the trailblazer for
    Armenian Americans during the early twentieth century. He founded the American
    Committee for an Independent Armenia (ACIA), the predecessor to the ANCA.
    Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA), who was to be honored as "Human Rights Champion"
    during the evening's event, was called away to Washington, DC just hours
    before
    the event, and was unable to attend.

    Congressmen Radanovich and Schiff Push Armenian Genocide Legislation

    Congressman George Radanovich (R-CA) (by video) joined Congressman Adam
    Schiff
    (D-CA) in praising the ANCA-WR's work in helping the two Armenian Genocide
    resolutions pass through the House International Relations' Committee on
    September 15, 2005. The two Congressmen also gave accounts of the intense days
    and weeks leading up to the vote in the House International Relations'
    Committee.
    "There is no organization that has a greater impact than the ANCA on Congress
    in regards to issues of concern to the Armenian community. They work the halls
    of Congress, they are indefatigable, they turn out grassroots, and they have a
    tremendous impact," said Congressman Adam Schiff during his address to the
    crowd.
    Both Congressman Radanovich and Schiff have introduced resolutions calling on
    the United States government to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide. HRES
    316 [House Resolution], which was introduced by Representatives George
    Radanovich, Adam Schiff, and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank
    Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and has over 140 cosponsors, calls
    upon the President to ensure US foreign policy reflects appropriate
    understanding of the Armenian Genocide.
    "I appreciate the bipartisan support for this resolution, which properly
    acknowledges the Armenian Genocide, reaffirms the proud and groundbreaking
    chapter in US history to halt the Genocide, and renews our commitment to
    preventing other occurrences of man's inhumanity to man," said Congressman
    George Radanovich.
    HCON 195 [House Concurrent Resolution], introduced by Rep. Adam Schiff and
    cosponsored by over 80 Representatives, calls on Turkey to abandon its
    on-going
    campaign of Armenian Genocide denial and to work with Armenia to come to terms
    with its tragic history.
    The House International Relations Committee overwhelmingly passed both
    resolutions with bipartisan support. HRES 316 passed 40-7, and HCON 195 passed
    35-11. Equally important, both Chairman of the committee, Henry J. Hyde
    (R-IL),
    and top ranking Democratic member, Tom Lantos (D-CA), voted in favor of both
    resolutions. Neither had been supportive of similar Armenian Genocide
    legislation in the past.

    Mayor Villaraigosa's Steadfast Support of the Armenian American Community

    Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who was also on hand during the program,
    expressed
    his appreciation for the support the ANCA and the members of the Armenian
    American community have given him during his tenure as a legislator. The
    ANCA-WR has worked with the newly elected Mayor for over ten years, throughout
    Villaraigosa's time in the State Assembly and the Los Angeles City Council, as
    well as supporting him in both his bids for Mayor.
    "I am so proud of the support I received from the ANCA in this election
    period, the election for Mayor four years ago, and the election for state
    assembly 10 years ago. I am very thankful and count, as a part of that
    victory,
    the support I enjoyed among the Armenian American people," said Mayor
    Villaraigosa.
    He also took the opportunity to announce key Armenian American
    appointments to
    his administration including Ara Bedrosian to the Los Angeles Police Permits
    Review Commission, Maria Armoudian to the Los Angeles Commission of
    Environmental Affairs, Raffi Ghazarian to the Los Angeles Children, Youth, and
    Their Families Commission, and Ed Ebrahimian as General Manager of the Los
    Angeles Bureau of Street Lighting. Ebrahimian is the Mayor's first appointment
    of a Department Head, and he is the first Armenian American to head a
    department in the City of Los Angeles. The Mayor stressed the importance of
    unifying the people of Los Angeles, and creating an "administration that would
    reflect every community in Los Angeles."

    ANCA: True to Our Roots

    During the banquet, attendees viewed a film presentation by young Armenian
    American filmmaker Ara Soudjian of Treaty of Sevres Filmworks about the ANCA
    and its strong grassroots activism titled True to Our Roots. The film
    highlighted efforts undertaken by the ANCA in focusing the community's
    concerns
    and issues on policymakers and how they help educate decision makers.
    Soudjian, who has consistently been active in the Armenian American community
    with the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), began his film career working for
    the
    ANC-TV program. Soudjian also helped the ANCA to produce educational TV spots
    for the Villaraigosa campaign that aired on various Armenian TV channels in
    this past election period working with ANCA liaisons to the campaign.
    He has also worked on the "Rock the Vote" campaign, the motion picture, 13
    Going on 30, and created the ANCA film about the organiztion's Capital Gateway
    Program, which premiered at last year's ANCA Banquet. The Capital Gateway
    Program film gave an inside look at the unique program which invites college
    graduates to Washington, DC, with the support of the ANCA staff, to work on
    Capitol Hill in efforts to increase Armenian involvement in the American
    political process.

    Excerpts from Speeches:

    George Radanovich
    "We were able to pass the Genocide Resolution through the International
    Relations Committee by a vote of 40 to 7. I am very proud of that vote and it
    is symbolic of the work the ANC does in lobbying in Washington and working
    with
    me to gain awareness of the genocide that happened in 1915."

    Adam Schiff
    "The level of activity, support and activism of the Armenian community around
    the country has been tremendous. The work of the Armenian community's
    allies in
    Congress has been tremendous. But it is not enough. It will not be enough
    to do
    what we have done to get these bills passed on the floor of the House. It will
    not be enough. We must do more. We have been trying for ten years to get a
    resolution passed in the House. We cannot assume that the same level of effort
    that has not succeeded in ten years will now be successful. It will not. We
    will have to do more. And this is the time. It's been 90 years. If not now,
    when?
    "Now, we come out of this with tremendous momentum. But the next nine weeks
    while we are still in session are going to be critical. If you have contacts
    with the Speaker, this is the time to use them. If you have contacts with the
    State Department, which opposes these resolutions, this is the time to use
    them. We have to mobilize like we've never mobilized before.
    "The leadership of the House does not want to hear either one of these
    resolutions. Now, that does not mean that they are going to fail. I've seen in
    the last five years, resolutions that were opposed by the leadership,
    nonetheless be taken up and passed. But it never happens without a fight. And
    if we are serious about this, if we are not content to merely have issues pass
    out of committee, then we are going to have to fight. And there is no
    reason we
    should be satisfied with bills coming out of committee. So let us all dedicate
    ourselves to the struggle ahead, because we can do this. We can do this while
    there are still survivors left to see and to witness. Let's go do it."
    Jackie Speier
    "As public officials, we are given awards, but there's nothing greater than
    receiving the praise or acclaim from your family. Tonight, I feel like I am
    receiving that kind of acclaim from my family.
    "My Armenian heritage has also been a gift...I, for the most part, experienced
    my Armenian American roots not through connections with community groups, but
    through my woman of the year, every year, my mom.
    "We are told by some to forget the Armenian Genocide, but we will not forget.
    Nor will we permit our children or grandchildren to forget. To forget is to
    permit it to happen again and again.
    "I want to thank the ANCA for reminding America that genocide is not only a
    historic reality but it is reality in this year 2005. Why do we remember our
    loved ones who died from 1915-1923? Because humanity aches as innocent people
    are killed tonight, and remember because humanity prays tonight for
    deliverance
    from the racial and ethnic hatred that activates guns, mows down children, and
    renders chaos."
    Antonio Villaraigosa
    "The ANCA has been at the forefront of the fight to remember, the fight to
    collectively, not just as a community but as a nation, recognize the Armenian
    Genocide and to hold those who are responsible accountable."

    Some other elected officials who attended the ANCA-WR Annual Banquet were
    Congresswoman Diane Watson, California State Board of Equalization Chairman
    John Chiang, California State Assemblymembers Judy Chu, Dario Frommer, Lloyd
    Levine, Gloria Negrete McLeod, and Keith Stuart Richman, Orange County Sheriff
    Mike Carona, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Member Michael
    Antonovich,
    City of Downey Councilman Kirk Cartozian, City of Brea Councilman Marty
    Simonoff, Glendale Mayor Rafi Manoukian, Montebello Mayor William Molinari,
    Glendale City Councilmen Ara Najarian and Frank Quintero, Los Angeles City
    Councilman Dennis Zine, Montebello City Councilmembers Robert Bagwell and
    Norma
    Lopez-Reid, Glendale City Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian, Burbank Unified School
    District Board of Education President Paul Krekorian, Glendale Unified School
    District Board of Education Member Greg Krikorian, Los Angeles Unified School
    District Board of Education Vice-President Jon Lauritzen, Glendale Community
    College Board of Trustees President Anita Gabrielian, Glendale Community
    College Board of Trustees Members Armine Hacopian, Victor King, and Vahe
    Peroomian.
    Other honored guests in attendance were Prelate Archbishop Moushegh
    Mardirossian of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, who
    presented the evening's invocation, Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles
    Gagik Kirakossian, US District Court Judge xxxxran Tevrizian, California
    Superior Court Judge Armand Arabian (retire), Los Angeles Superior Court
    Judges
    Maral Injejikian, Greg Keosian and Zaven Sinanian, Glendale City Police Chief
    Randy Adams, Montebello City Police Chief Garry Couso-Vasquez, Los Angeles
    Unified School District Superintendent Governor Roy Roemer, Los Angeles City
    College President Steve Maradian, Los Angeles Unified School District
    Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Branch Director Robert Collins, and
    former Glendale Mayor Larry Zarian.
    "All truth passes through three stages:
    First, it is ridiculed;
    Second, it is violently opposed; and
    Third, it is accepted as self-evident."

    Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)

  • #2
    Over 10,000 Anca Webfaxers Call On Speaker Hastert To Schedule Vote On Armenian Genoc

    Armenian National Committee of America
    888 17th Street, NW, Suite 904, Washington, DC 20006
    Tel. (202) 775-1918 * Fax. (202) 775-5648 * [email protected]

    PRESS RELEASE

    For Immediate Release ~ 2005-10-20
    Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian ~ Tel: (202) 775-1918


    OVER 10,000 ANCA WEBFAXERS CALL ON SPEAKER HASTERT TO SCHEDULE VOTE ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE LEGISLATION


    Grassroots Letter-Writing Campaign Represents Part of Broad-Based National Effort to Secure House Floor Vote


    WASHINGTON, DC – Just weeks after the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) launched its most recent WebFax campaign to Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, over 10,000 activists have sent letters urging the Speaker to schedule a vote on the Armenian Genocide resolution.

    These WebFaxes, which continue to be sent through the ANCA's website (www.anca.org) on a daily basis, are in addition to the thousands of signatures that have been collected on individual letters to the Speaker in recent weeks at ANCA booths set up at System of a Down concerts around the country. Letters have been sent by activists in all 50 states.

    "The strong grassroots response - through our website, at System of a Down concerts, and via the outreach of our network of local chapters - has been tremendously encouraging," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "We have been particularly gratified by the growing number of non-Armenians - many educated on this issue for the first time by System of a Down - who are energetically working toward official U.S. commemoration of the Armenian Genocide."

    The WebFaxes are part of a multi-pronged campaign encouraging the Speaker to schedule a full floor vote on legislation recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Two such resolutions were overwhelming adopted by the House International Relations Committee on September 15th. In the month since their adoption, ANCA chapters have been working with House Members, the media, and coalition partners in appealing to Speaker Hastert to allow the U.S. House to have an opportunity to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide. Support for both Armenian Genocide resolutions (H.Res.316 and H.Con.Res.195) continues to grow, with a total, as of today, of over 170 House members who have cosponsored at least one of the measures.

    The campaign calling on Hastert to schedule a vote received nationwide coverage last month, when multi-platinum rock band System of Down teamed up with the ANCA, Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) and Axis of Justice to organize a rally in front of the Speaker’s Batavia, Illinois office. Over 200 attended the rally, which included remarks by System members Serge Tankian and John Dolmayan as well as ANCA Chicago chapter Chairman Greg Bedian. The rally was covered by Chicago area ABC, FOX and WB affiliates as well as print and online publications around the country including the New York Times, Rolling Stone, and MTV.

    To watch a two minute video of the Batavia IL rally, visit www.theforgotten.org/soad
    "All truth passes through three stages:
    First, it is ridiculed;
    Second, it is violently opposed; and
    Third, it is accepted as self-evident."

    Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)

    Comment


    • #3
      Bay Area ANC Hosts Campaign Event for CA Sen. Jackie Speier

      PRESS RELEASE
      Armenian National Committee
      San Francisco - Bay Area
      51 Commonwealth Avenue
      San Francisco, CA 94118
      Tel: (415) 387-3433
      Fax: (415) 751-0617
      [email protected]
      Membahas segala hal tentang perjudian



      Contact: Roxanne Makasdjian (415) 641-0525




      Hillsborough, CA, Sunday, October 30 - The Bay Area Armenian National
      Committee held a campaign fundraiser for Jackie Speier,
      Armenian-American State Senator from San Mateo, who is running for
      Lieutenant Governor of California. If elected in November, 2006, Speier
      would become only the second Armenian-American to serve in statewide
      office since Governor George Deukmejian (1983-1991). The fundraiser was
      hosted by Bay Area community activists, Garbis and Maida Bezdjian of
      Hillsborough. In addition to area public officials and
      Armenian-American community leaders and supporters, in attendance were
      Sen. Speier's mother, Nancy Kelchanian, a native of Fresno who is
      celebrating her 90th birthday this year.

      After introductions by Bay Area ANC Chairwoman Roxanne Makasdjian and
      event organizer Haig Baghdassarian, Senator Speier spoke about the work
      ethic she learned from her mother, who ran a business in San Francisco
      in her 20's. Speier said she also learned from her mother the
      importance of a dime. Her mother saved a dime a day by walking to work
      everyday to save money in order to be able to purchase a property in San
      Francisco. She credits her mother for teaching her to be budget
      conscious, which she tries to apply to her job helping formulate
      California's budget.

      Armenian Youth Federation members, Matthew Senekerimian and Tatiana
      Armstrong presented Sen. Speier with momentos from the AYF and spoke
      about the inspiration they receive from Sen. Speier's success as an
      Armenian-American woman in the U.S. political process.

      Growing up realizing the importance of Armenian Genocide recognition,
      Senator Speier has incorporated that into her public service, most
      recently authoring the 2005 Armenian Genocide resolution in California,
      and co-authoring with Senator Chuck Poochigian another law which
      permanently designates April 24 as California Day of Remembrance of the
      Armenian Genocide.

      Her commitment to public service was forged in tragedy 25 years ago on a
      remote airship in Guyana, where as legal counsel to the late Congressman
      Leo Ryan, she had accompanied him to investigate Jim Jones' People's Temple.
      To this day, she carries two bullets in her body from the tragic incident
      in Guyana.

      Two years after the Jonestown shootings, Sen. Speier became the youngest
      member ever to serve on the San Mateo county Board of Supervisors when
      she won her first election by defeating a 20-year incumbent. Sen.
      Speier served in the California State Assembly from 1986 to 1996 before
      being elected to the State Senate, where she is completing her second
      term and was recently named Assistant President Pro-Tem.

      Over the past 20 years, Jackie has set an unprecedented record of over
      300 pieces of legislation signed into law by both Democratic and
      Republican Governors. She has authored groundbreaking legislation in
      privacy and consumer protection, child safety, child support
      enforcement, and healthcare, many of which have been used as templates
      for national legislation.
      "All truth passes through three stages:
      First, it is ridiculed;
      Second, it is violently opposed; and
      Third, it is accepted as self-evident."

      Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)

      Comment


      • #4
        Anca Welcomes Speaker's Decision To Schedule

        Armenian National Committee of America
        888 17th St., NW Suite 904
        Washington, DC 20006
        Tel: (202) 775-1918
        Fax: (202) 775-5648
        E-mail: [email protected]
        Internet: www.anca.org

        PRESS RELEASE
        December 13, 2005
        Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
        Tel: (202) 775-1918

        ANCA WELCOMES SPEAKER'S DECISION TO SCHEDULE
        A VOTE ON THE CAMBODIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION

        -- Calls on Speaker to Allow Vote on Armenian Genocide Resolution

        WASHINGTON, DC - The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
        today welcomed Speaker Dennis Hastert's decision to schedule a vote
        this week on the Cambodian Genocide Resolution, H.Con.Res.238, a
        measure honoring the victims of this crime and welcoming the
        establishment of an international criminal tribunal to bring to
        justice its perpetrators.

        "We join with our friends in the Cambodian American community in
        welcoming Speaker Hastert's decision to bring legislation on the
        Cambodian Genocide to a vote on the House floor," said Aram
        Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. "We welcome the timely
        adoption of this important measure in support of a just resolution
        of this horrific crime, and in this same spirit, once again call on
        the Speaker to bring Armenian Genocide legislation to the House
        floor at the first opportunity."

        Speaker Hastert has, in the past twelve months, scheduled House
        floor votes on five separate pieces of legislation dealing with
        specific instances of genocide in Cambodia, Darfur, Ukraine,
        Bosnia, and the Holocaust. In the last Congress, the U.S. House
        adopted legislation recognizing the Rwandan Genocide. The Speaker
        has not, however, agreed to allow a vote on legislation recognizing
        the Armenian Genocide, despite the fact that these measures,
        collectively, enjoy the backing of over 170 cosponsors and were
        overwhelmingly adopted by the International Relations Committee.

        Listed below are the genocide-related resolutions that Speaker
        Hastert has scheduled for votes on the floor of the U.S. House
        within the past year:

        Cambodian Genocide: On December 14, 2005, the U.S. House is
        scheduled to vote on the Cambodian Genocide Resolution,
        H.Con.Res.238, a measure welcoming efforts to secure a just
        resolution of this crime against humanity. (At the time of its
        adoption, this measure will have 34 cosponsors.)

        Darfur Genocide: On July 11, 2005, the U.S. House adopted a
        resolution, H.Res.333, regarding the genocide currently taking
        place in the Darfur region of Sudan. (At the time of its adoption,
        this measure had 26 cosponsors.) The ANCA supports the adoption of
        a stronger measure, the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act,
        H.R.3127, which is currently under consideration at the Committee
        level.

        Holocaust: On January 25, 2005, the U.S. House adopted a
        resolution, H.Res.39, urging educators to teach the lessons of the
        Holocaust in order to prevent future genocides. (At the time of
        its adoption, this measure had 78 cosponsors.)

        Ukrainian Genocide: On November 16, 2005, the U.S. House adopted a
        resolution, H.R.562, recognizing the Ukrainian Famine Genocide and
        authorizing for the creation of a monument honoring its victims.
        (At the time of its adoption, this measure had 36 cosponsors.)

        Bosnian Genocide: On June 27, 2005, the U.S. House adopted a
        resolution, H.Res.199, regarding the genocide in Bosnia and
        Herzogovina from 1992 to 1995. (At the time of its adoption, this
        measure had 39 cosponsors.)
        "All truth passes through three stages:
        First, it is ridiculed;
        Second, it is violently opposed; and
        Third, it is accepted as self-evident."

        Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)

        Comment


        • #5
          Senate Support Grows For Armenian Genocide Resolution

          Armenian National Committee of America
          888 17th St., NW Suite 904
          Washington, DC 20006
          Tel: (202) 775-1918
          Fax: (202) 775-5648
          E-mail: [email protected]
          Internet: www.anca.org


          -- Sen. Chafee Cosponsors Armenian Genocide Legislation
          for the First Time in his Six-Year Senate Tenure

          WASHINGTON, DC - Within weeks of its introduction, twelve U.S.
          Senators have already joined with Senators John Ensign (R-NV) and
          Richard Durbin (D-IL) in supporting the Senate version of the
          Armenian Genocide Resolution, S.Res.320, reported the Armenian
          National Committee of America (ANCA).

          "We are gratified to see the growing support for the Armenian
          Genocide Resolution in the Senate, and appreciate the leadership of
          Senators Ensign and Durbin on this human rights initiative," said
          Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the Armenian National
          Committee of America. "We look forward to working with local
          communities across the country in building additional support for
          this measure and bringing it a to favorable vote on the Senate
          floor."

          Senator Ensign is the Vice Chairman of the Republican Steering
          Committee, the group that shapes the Senate Republican legislative
          agenda. Senator Durbin is the Democratic Whip, the second most
          senior position among Senate Democrats. Additional cosponsors
          include:

          * George Allen (R-VA) - The Chairman of the Foreign Relation
          Committee's Subcommittee on European Affairs, and a potential
          Presidential candidate in 2008.

          * Barbara Boxer (D-CA) - Ranking Democrat on the Foreign Relations
          Committee's Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs.

          * Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) - The Chairman of the Foreign Relations
          Committee's Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs.

          * Russell Feingold (D-WI) - The Ranking Democrat on the Foreign
          Relations Committee's Subcommittee on Africa.

          * Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) - Ranking Democrat on the Judiciary
          Committee's Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology and Homeland
          Security.

          * John Kerry (D-MA) - Ranking Democrat on the Foreign Relations
          Committee's Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, as well
          as a past (2004) and potential future (2008) Presidential
          candidate.

          * Herb Kohl (D-WI) - A senior member of the Appropriations
          Committee's Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and State, the panel
          that allocates funding for the State Department.

          * Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) - A member of the Committee on Homeland
          Security and Government Affairs.

          * Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) - A member of the Appropriations
          Committee's Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, the panel that
          allocates U.S. foreign aid.

          * Jack Reed (D-RI) - The Ranking Democrat on the Armed Services
          Committee's Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities.

          * Olympia Snowe (R-ME) - Chairwoman of the Committee on Small
          Business and Entrepreneurship.

          * John Sununu (R-NH) - Chairman of the Foreign Relations
          Committee's Subcommittee on International Operations and Terrorism.

          Sen. Chafee is a first-time supporter of Armenian Genocide
          legislation. Since he first joined the Senate in 1999, ANC of
          Rhode Island activists have met with Sen. Chafee numerous times -
          both in Rhode Island and in Washington, DC - urging him to support
          legislation reaffirming the Armenian Genocide supporting a strong
          U.S.-Armenia bilateral relationship. ANC of Rhode Island
          activists, including Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, most recently
          met with the Senator on April 20th of this year. At this meeting
          the the Senator pledged support for future Armenian Genocide
          legislative initiatives.

          On April 25th, in a Senate floor statement, Sen. Chafee marked the
          90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, noting: "The term
          'genocide' did not even exist when these atrocities occurred from
          1915 to 1923, yet the numbers are staggering. Over 1.5 million
          people perished. Over 500,000 people were forcibly removed from
          their homes and their homeland. Armenian religious, political, and
          intellectual leaders were killed. Men were removed from their
          families and women and children were left vulnerable to
          deportation, kidnapping, and starvation, and 132,000 Armenian
          orphans became foster children in American families."

          The Senate measure is similar to a resolution, H.Res.316,
          introduced this June in the U.S. House by Reps. George Radanovich
          (R-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-
          Chairmen Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI). This
          measure has 145 cosponsors and was overwhelmingly adopted, along
          with a second Armenian Genocide Resolution, H.Con.Res.195, by the
          International Relations Committee on September 15th.

          The resolution calls upon the President "to ensure that the foreign
          policy of the United States reflects appropriate understanding and
          sensitivity concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic
          cleansing, and genocide documented in the United States record
          relating to the Armenian Genocide." The resolution includes thirty
          detailed findings from past U.S. hearings, resolutions and
          Presidential statements on the Armenian Genocide from 1916 through
          the present, as well as references to statements by international
          bodies and organizations.

          The Senate resolution has been referred to the Foreign Relations
          Committee for consideration.
          "All truth passes through three stages:
          First, it is ridiculed;
          Second, it is violently opposed; and
          Third, it is accepted as self-evident."

          Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)

          Comment


          • #6
            ANCA: House Members Urge Sec. Rice to Press Turkey on Genocide

            Armenian National Committee of America
            888 17th St., NW Suite 904
            Washington, DC 20006
            Tel: (202) 775-1918
            Fax: (202) 775-5648
            E-mail: [email protected]
            Internet: www.anca.org

            PRESS RELEASE
            December 15, 2005
            Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
            Tel: (202) 775-1918

            FIFTY-NINE HOUSE MEMBERS URGE STATE DEPARTMENT TO PRESS TURKEY
            TO ACKNOWLEDGE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE AND END ILLEGAL BLOCKADE

            -- Letter, Spearheaded by Rep. Costa, Addresses
            Turkey's Occupation of Cyprus and its Ongoing
            Restrictions on Christian Communities

            WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) was joined by fifty-eight
            U.S. House colleagues today in calling on Secretary of State
            Condoleezza Rice to provide an update on U.S. diplomatic efforts to
            end Turkey's ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide, lift its
            blockade of Armenia, and end its military occupation of Cyprus,
            reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

            "Armenians Americans in California's Central Valley and throughout
            the nation thank Jim Costa, as well as Michael Bilirakis, and all
            those who joined with him in sending this powerful message to the
            Administration," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the
            ANCA. "We are gratified by the growing Congressional pressure on
            Turkey to abandon its hostile attitudes and actions against
            Armenia, Cyprus, and Greece, and will continue to work to ensure
            that these issues remain at the forefront of the U.S.-Turkey
            relationship until they are resolved in a just and durable manner."

            Concerning the Armenian Genocide, the letter notes that, "few
            tragedies in our shared history are as comprehensively documented
            as the fate of more than 1.5 million Armenians living within the
            Ottoman Empire from 1915-1923." The letter goes on to stress that,
            "We believe that only by acknowledging the Ottoman Empire's
            genocidal legacy, can Turkey fully return to the community of
            nations."

            With regard to Turkey's blockade of Armenia, the letter notes that,
            "despite violating international law and condemnations on behalf of
            the United States and the European Union, Turkey continues to
            impose its blockade against Armenia, now in its twelfth year." It
            goes on to note that "overall, this policy acts against the
            interests of the European Union and is counterproductive to U.S.
            interests to support broad engagement with the nations of the South
            Caucasus to help them 'remain independent, and [to] become
            democratic, stable, and prosperous partners of the United States.'"

            The letter goes on to cite "significant concern regarding Turkey's
            progress in the realm of human rights." Congressional co-signers
            specifically noted the numerous prosecutions of Turkish journalists
            and authors, including Hrant Dink and Orhan Pamuk, for perceived
            insults to the Turkish State related to the discussion of the
            Armenian Genocide. Pamuk's trial, set for Friday, December 16th,
            is being following closely by international human rights
            organizations.

            "Our foreign policy must require Turkey to be accountable for its
            actions against Armenia and Cyprus," commented Rep. Costa following
            the release of the letter. "This letter demonstrates that Congress
            will continue to push for this accountability while supporting
            Turkey's efforts at reform. It is my hope that this bipartisan
            effort, which I am heading up and includes the support of over 50
            of my colleagues, will send a strong message to Secretary of State
            Condoleezza Rice."

            In a "Dear Colleague" letter circulated on November 3rd, Rep. Costa
            urged his House colleagues to cosign the letter calling on
            Secretary Rice to "address a number of concerns regarding the
            Republic of Turkey's beginning negotiations for admission into the
            European Union." ANCA chapters and activists across the U.S., in
            cooperation with the American Hellenic Institute, worked to help
            secure support for the measure.

            House Members joining Rep. Costa in cosigning the Congressional
            letter to Secretary Rice are: Rob Andrews (D-NJ), Joe Baca (D-CA),
            Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), Tim Bishop (D-NY),
            Jeb Bradley (R-NH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), John
            Conyers (D-MI), Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Michael Ferguson (R-NJ),
            Barney Frank (D-MA), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ),
            Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Rush Holt (D-NJ), William Jefferson (D-LA),
            Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), Dennis Kucinich (D-
            OH), James Langevin (D-RI), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Nita Lowey (D-
            NY), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Ed Markey (D-
            MA), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), James McGovern (D-MA), Michael
            McNulty (D-NY), Martin Meehan (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ),
            Michael Michaud (D-MA), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Eleanor Holmes
            Norton (D-DC), Devin Nunes (R-CA), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Donald
            Payne (D-NJ), Collin Peterson (D-MN), Richard Pombo (R-CA), George
            Radanovich (R-CA), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Steven Rothman (D-
            NJ), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Tim Ryan (D-
            OH), Jim Saxton (R-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Joe Schwarz (R-MI),
            David Scott (D-GA), Christopher Shays (R-CT), Brad Sherman (D-CA),
            Hilda Solis (D-CA), Mark Souder (R-IN), Ted Strickland (D-OH),
            Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Visclosky (D-IN), Diane Watson (D-
            CA) and Anthony Weiner (D-NY).

            The complete text of the Congressional letter to Secretary Rice is
            provided below.

            #####

            TEXT OF CONGRESSIONAL LETTER TO SECRETARY OF STATE CONDOLEEZA RICE

            The Honorable Condoleezza Rice
            Secretary
            United States Department of State
            2201 C Street, Northwest
            Washington, DC 20520

            Dear Madame Secretary:

            As the Republic of Turkey begins to negotiate for membership in the
            European Union, it is vital that the United States continue to work
            to advance its interests as a friend and partner to both the
            European Union and the Republic of Turkey. Therefore, we request
            that you provide us with an update on the State Department's
            efforts to address the following concerns:

            Blockade Against Armenia. Despite violating international law and
            condemnations on behalf of the United States and the European
            Union, Turkey continues to impose its blockade against Armenia, now
            in its twelfth year. The EU has repeatedly called upon Turkey to
            lift the blockade, and the European Parliament has declared the
            normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations a precondition for
            Turkey's accession to the organization. As you know, Turkey and
            Azerbaijan are the only states that engage in a blockade of a
            fellow Council of Europe state.

            A recent report [1] prepared by the World Bank highlighted the
            profound economic impact Turkey's blockade has had upon Armenia.
            This continued action on the part of Turkey violates international
            law, as well as treaties it signed with Armenia recognized under
            the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties and the Convention on
            Succession of States. It also has a debilitating effect on
            Turkey's ability to expand its economy, while allowing its foreign
            policy to be held hostage by the interests of Azerbaijan. Overall,
            this policy acts against the interests of the European Union and is
            counterproductive to US interests to support broad engagement with
            the nations of the South Caucasus to help them "remain independent,
            and [to] become democratic, stable, and prosperous partners of the
            United States." [2] So long as the blockade continues, it will act
            against a stated precondition of Turkey's admittance to the EU.

            Human Rights. Despite substantial pledges, there remains
            significant concern regarding Turkey's progress in the realm of
            human rights. While Turkey founded the Human Rights Inquiry
            Commission and the Human Rights Coordinating High Committee, Turkey
            continues to under fund these programs and undermine their ability
            to implement their mission. Last year, the Turkish government
            commissioned a report on Turkey's minorities. However, when the
            final report criticized Turkey's mistreatment of minorities as non-
            compliant with its own treaty obligations, the Turkish government
            promptly disowned it amid nationalist threats against its authors.
            Also unfortunate is Turkey's failure to abide by the European
            Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. The European
            Commission has expressed disappointment with the progress Turkey
            has made in this regard. In the first 9 months of 2004, for
            example, Turkish courts tried 416 persons on charges relating to
            spoken or written expression. [3] Most recently, Hrant Dink, a
            Turkish journalist, was handed a suspended six-month prison
            sentence for a newspaper article that insulted Turkish identity.
            Moreover, internationally renowned novelist Orhan Pamuk is facing
            three years in jail for commenting on the Armenian genocide. The
            US Helsinki Commission has properly condemned this prosecution.

            Additionally, we condemn Turkey's toleration of assaults against
            its Greek and Armenian Orthodox minority, its continuing illegal
            closure of the Greek Orthodox Halki Patriarchal School of Theology,
            and its illegal seizure of Greek and Armenian Church property.

            Occupation of Cyprus: A fundamental requirement for joining the
            European Union is for Turkey to recognize all member states of the
            EU, including the Republic of Cyprus. Not only has Turkey failed
            to recognize Cyprus, but it continues to occupy illegally over 37
            percent of the island with a standing force of over 43,000 Turkish
            troops after invading the country in 1974 and expelling over
            180,000 Greek Cypriots. However, we are concerned about two recent
            events that seemingly undermine stated US policy regarding non-
            recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). You
            recently invited Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat, the recognized leader of the
            Turkish-Cypriot community, to formally meet with you in Washington,
            DC. Additionally, we feel that the State Department's support for
            the travel of U.S. citizens, U.S. government personnel, and Members
            of Congress with direct flights to the Tymbou Airport is an
            additional cause for concern, as it is not a designated legal port
            of entry. The U.S. government should be discouraging U.S.
            citizens, U.S. government personnel, and Members of Congress from
            entering Cyprus illegally, and not encouraging them to participate
            in Turkey's violation of the Chicago Convention. [4]

            The Armenian Genocide. Few tragedies in our shared history are as
            comprehensively documented as the fate of more than 1.5 million
            Armenians living within the Ottoman Empire from 1915-1923. The
            international community is formally recognizing this event as
            genocide in increasing numbers, and the European Parliament
            recently passed a resolution stipulating Turkey's recognition of
            this event as a precondition for admittance to the EU. We believe
            that only by acknowledging the Ottoman Empire's genocidal legacy,
            can Turkey fully return to the community of nations. Should Turkey
            choose to recognize this event in its nation's history, it will
            communicate its commitment to step from the shadows of its past and
            bring Turkey squarely in line with the values and possibilities it
            stands ready to embrace today.

            While the Republic of Turkey continues to make progress in these
            areas, as reflected in the decision to open accession talks, we
            recognize that the European Union has outlined the above concerns
            as symptomatic of their hesitation with Turkey accession. Turkey
            is at the crossroads of Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and the
            Middle East. It has the opportunity to play an important role in
            the ongoing developments in the region. We note that Prime
            Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ministers have made repeated
            references to the values that they share with our nation, and that
            constructive actions with regard to the outstanding issues noted
            above would confirm these statements. Therefore, we restate our
            desire that the United States work to bring about these promising
            possibilities.

            Sincerely,
            "All truth passes through three stages:
            First, it is ridiculed;
            Second, it is violently opposed; and
            Third, it is accepted as self-evident."

            Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)

            Comment


            • #7
              ANCA welcomes approval of $236 million MCA compact with Armenia

              20.12.2005 14:07

              YEREVAN (YERKIR) - The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) welcomed on Monday the announcement by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of a five-year, $235.65 million dollar grant to help reduce rural poverty in Armenia.

              "On behalf of all Armenian Americans, we welcome today's news that our government will be investing nearly a quarter of a billion dollars over the next five years in reducing rural poverty in Armenia," said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian.

              The agreement between the Armenian government and the MCC is designed to accomplish one goal - reducing rural poverty through a sustainable increase in the economic performance of the agricultural sector. In a press release issued earlier today, the MCC explained that "the compact consists of two investments: a Rural Road Rehabilitation Project and an Irrigated Agriculture Project. The program will directly impact 75% of the rural population and is expected to increase annual incomes by $36 million in 2010 and over $113 million in 2015."
              "All truth passes through three stages:
              First, it is ridiculed;
              Second, it is violently opposed; and
              Third, it is accepted as self-evident."

              Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)

              Comment


              • #8
                Anca Calls On U.s. Ambassador To Azerbaijan To Visit Nakhichevanarmenian Cemetery Bei

                Armenian National Committee of America
                888 17th St., NW Suite 904
                Washington, DC 20006
                Tel: (202) 775-1918
                Fax: (202) 775-5648
                E-mail: [email protected]
                Internet: www.anca.org

                PRESS RELEASE

                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                December 19, 2005
                Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
                Tel: (202) 775-1918

                ANCA CALLS ON U.S. AMBASSADOR TO AZERBAIJAN TO VISIT NAKHICHEVAN
                ARMENIAN CEMETERY BEING DESTROYED BY AZERBAIJANI ARMY

                -- Watch the 12-minute video documenting the destruction


                -- Urges Ambassador Harnish to Personally Intervene
                to Halt Destruction; Raises Alarms with Members
                of Congress over Systematic Demolition of
                Ancient Armenian Christian Heritage

                WASHINGTON, DC - The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
                today called on U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Reno Harnish to
                immediately and forcefully halt the ongoing demolition of medieval
                Armenian cemeteries and historic carved stone crosses (khatchkars)
                in the southern Nakhichevan region of Djulfa by the Azerbaijani
                armed forces.

                The cemetery, home to more than 10,000 individual khatchkars, was
                subjected to sustained attacks throughout the 20th Century and
                again, starting in 2002, when Azerbaijani forces crushed hundreds
                of the crosses and shipped the rubble from the region by rail. The
                most recent attacks have been the worst yet. A 12-minute video of
                the attacks may be viewed at:


                In a letter sent today to Ambassador Harnish, and copied to the
                White House and Members of Congress, ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian
                called on the U.S. envoy to:

                1) Immediately travel to Djulfa to personally survey the damage
                and intervene against any continued demolition.

                2) In the name of the U.S. government and on behalf of the
                conscience of the international community, demand that Azerbaijan
                respect the terms of its 1993 agreement to join the UNESCO World
                Heritage Convention, and immediately end this destruction.

                3) Demand that, to the extent possible, these sites be restored,
                under the appropriate supervision of Armenian experts and other
                internationally recognized authorities on Armenian religious
                monuments.

                4) Offer a full and public reporting on this systematic, state-
                sponsored eradication of these treasures of world cultural
                heritage.

                The Foreign Minister of Armenia, Vartan Oskanian, in a December
                16th letter, urgently called upon UNESCO Director General Koichiro
                Matsuura to use his office to bring about an end to this
                destruction. In the letter, he expresses, with a "great sense of
                anger and regret," his hope that "the ire and disapproval of the
                international community will be brought to bear on Azerbaijan in
                order that they cease from carrying out these acts which are
                tantamount to ethnic cleansing - only this time, there are no
                people left, and they have resorted to cleansing the memory of
                those people." The Minister went on to explain that "Nakhichevan
                was home to a majority Armenian population for generations."

                The International Council on Monuments and Sites - the leading non-
                governmental organization working preserve the world's cultural and
                religious landmarks - has posted an article on this issue on its
                website. To view photos of the Djulfa cemetery and and learn more
                about the response by ICOMOS to this issue, visit:
                "All truth passes through three stages:
                First, it is ridiculed;
                Second, it is violently opposed; and
                Third, it is accepted as self-evident."

                Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)

                Comment


                • #9
                  ANCA: Secretary Rice Queried on Military Aid Parity; Djulfa CemeteryDesecration; Turk

                  ANCA: Secretary Rice Queried on Military Aid Parity; Djulfa CemeteryDesecration; Turkish Persecution of Journalists
                  From: Elizabeth/ANCA <[email protected]>
                  Date: Sat, 18 Feb 2006 09:22:40 +0400 (AMT)



                  Armenian National Committee of America
                  888 17th St., NW Suite 904
                  Washington, DC 20006
                  Tel: (202) 775-1918
                  Fax: (202) 775-5648
                  E-mail: [email protected]
                  Internet: www.anca.org

                  PRESS RELEASE

                  FOR IMMEDIA0TE RELEASE
                  February 16, 2006
                  Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
                  Tel: (202) 775-1918

                  REP. SHERMAN ASKS SECRETARY RICE TO EXPLAIN PRESIDENT'S PROPOSED
                  BREACH OF U.S. MILITARY AID PARITY TO ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN

                  -- Several Other Legislators Submit Written Questions on Armenian
                  Issues during Her Week-long Series of Hearings on Capitol Hill

                  WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) today asked
                  Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, during her testimony before
                  the House International Relations Committee, to explain why the Bush
                  Administration has proposed breaking the agreement struck between the
                  White House and Congress in 2001 to maintain parity in U.S. military
                  aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan, reported the Armenian National Committee
                  of America (ANCA).

                  The California Democrat noted that, "the Administration has requested
                  nearly forty percent more in military assistance to Azerbaijan than
                  Armenia, despite an informal agreement between the Administration and
                  Congress to maintain military aid parity between the two countries.
                  This informal agreement was reached when we allowed the President to
                  waive section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, which had previously
                  prevented any military aid to Azerbaijan." He then said that, "in
                  light of Azerbaijan's President's recent threats to resume war and in
                  light of this informal agreement with Congress, I would hope you would
                  provide for military parity between the two countries." He concluded
                  his remarks by noting that the Administration's "request for economic
                  aid to Armenia represents a one third cut from what Congress provided
                  in Fiscal Year 2006. I am confident Congress will provide as much in
                  Fiscal Year 2007 as it did in Fiscal Year 2006 and I hope you will
                  be supporting that effort."

                  In light of the short time allotted for each of the 50 members of
                  the panel to offers questions, Congressman Sherman suggested to the
                  Secretary that she submit her answers in writing following the hearing.
                  She agreed to follow up with the Congressman in writing.

                  Additional Members of Congress who submitted written questions on
                  Armenian American issues to Secretary Rice during her week-long series
                  of hearings on Capitol Hill included Senator George Allen (R-VA)
                  and Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA), Grace Napolitano (D- CA),
                  and Diane Watson (D-CA). "We want to thank Representatives Sherman,
                  Schiff, Napolitano, and Watson, and, of course, Senator Allen for
                  ensuring that Congress' vital oversight of our nation's foreign
                  policy includes careful attention to issues of special concern to
                  our nation's one and a half million citizens of Armenian heritage,"
                  said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA.

                  "In the interest of transparent government and an informed electorate,
                  we look forward, in the coming weeks, to sharing with the Armenian
                  American community the Secretary's written responses to the questions
                  addressed to her at this week's hearings."

                  Senator Allen expressed serious concerns about the Administration's
                  request for more military assistance to Azerbaijan than Armenia,
                  in addition to the ability of the President to continue to certify
                  that military assistance to Azerbaijan would not undermine a peaceful
                  settlement of the Nagorno Karabagh conflict as Azerbaijan continues
                  to threaten to restart the war. Congressman Schiff offered detailed
                  written questions concerning U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Evans,
                  who during public remarks last year, spoke openly about the need
                  to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide as a clear instance
                  of genocide. Congressman Schiff specifically asked the Secretary
                  to explain any role the State Department played in the American
                  Foreign Service Association's reversal of its decision to grant
                  Ambassador Evans the "Christian A. Herter Award" for constructive
                  dissent just before Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan visited President
                  Bush in Washington, DC. The California Congressman also called on the
                  Secretary to assure the Committee that the Department of State has not
                  taken - and will not take - any punitive actions against Ambassador
                  Evans for speaking out about the Armenian Genocide. Congressman Schiff
                  also submitted a written question on the military aid parity issue.

                  Congresswoman Grace Napolitano offered a written question regarding
                  the State Department's response to the December 2005 demolition by
                  Azerbaijani forces of the medieval Armenian cemetery in the southern
                  Nakhichevan region of Djulfa. She noted that the desecration was caught
                  on videotape and asked what steps the State Department has taken to
                  condemn the destruction of the cemetery or to send U.S. officials to
                  investigate the site.

                  Representative Diane Watson registered her concerns about the
                  military parity issue, asking the Secretary to justify proposing
                  increased aid for Azerbaijan in light of the fragile cease-fire and
                  Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev's repeated threats to renew his
                  country's aggression against Nagorno Karabagh. She also submitted
                  a question about the State Department's response to the more than
                  sixty pending criminal prosecutions in Turkey against journalists,
                  writers and other intellectuals solely for freedom of expression.

                  Several Members of Congress brought up the importance of multilateral
                  action to stop genocide in Darfur, among them Rep.

                  Donald Payne (D-NJ), Edward Royce (R-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Diane
                  Watson. Secretary Rice responded to these questions by stressing that
                  she hopes the U.S. can secure a U.N. Security Council resolution to
                  deploy a U.N. mission before the month-long U.S. presidency of the
                  Security Council finishes at the end of this month.
                  "All truth passes through three stages:
                  First, it is ridiculed;
                  Second, it is violently opposed; and
                  Third, it is accepted as self-evident."

                  Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    House Subcommittee Maintains Military Aid Parity

                    Armenian National Committee of America
                    1711 N Street NW
                    Washington, DC 20036
                    Tel: (202) 775-1918
                    Fax: (202) 775-5648
                    E-mail: [email protected]
                    Internet: www.anca.org

                    PRESS RELEASE
                    May 19, 2006
                    Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
                    Tel: (202) 775-1918

                    HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE MAINTAINS MILITARY AID PARITY
                    BETWEEN ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN

                    -- Proposes $62 million for Armenia; Up to $5 million for Karabagh

                    Washington, DC - Early reports from Capitol Hill sources indicate
                    that the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations
                    today approved by voice vote to maintain military assistance parity
                    between Armenia and Azerbaijan, despite the Bush Administration's
                    request to break the parity agreement and provide 40% more in
                    assistance to Azerbaijan, reported the Armenian National Committee
                    of America (ANCA.)

                    Sources on Capitol Hill reported that the key foreign aid panel
                    also allocated $62 million in U.S. aid for Armenia and $5 million
                    for Nagorno Karabagh for fiscal year (FY) 2007. The amount
                    represents a $12 million increase over President Bush's FY 2007
                    budget request, but is lower than last year's appropriation of $75
                    million. The Subcommittee also rejected efforts by Azerbaijan's
                    lobbyists to weaken Section 907 restrictions on U.S. assistance to
                    Azerbaijan, due to its ongoing blockades of Armenia and Nagorno
                    Karabagh.

                    Overall, the Subcommittee approved $21.3 billion in foreign aid
                    spending, an increase of $600 million over last year's budget.

                    "We commend the members of the Foreign Operations Subcommittee for
                    contributing to the continued stability of the Caucasus by
                    maintaining parity in military aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan and
                    fighting back attempts to further weaken Section 907," stated Aram
                    Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. "We also appreciate the
                    efforts of our friends to increase Armenia's assistance above the
                    level proposed by the President and to provide $5 million in aid to
                    Nagorno Karabagh. We look forward to action by the Senate - and
                    later in conference committee - to bring assistance to Armenia to
                    at least last year's figure of $75 million," added Hamparian.

                    Military assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan will include
                    $3.5million in foreign military finance (FMF) and $790,000 in
                    International Military and Education Training (IMET). Economic
                    assistance to Azerbaijan was set at $29 million, $1 million more
                    than the Administration's budget request.

                    "We want to express our appreciation to Congressman Joe Knollenberg
                    for his advocacy within the Subcommittee, to thank Chairman Jim
                    Kolbe and Ranking Member Nita Lowey for their leadership, and to
                    share our gratitude for the support of John Sweeney, Steve Rothman,
                    Mark Kirk, and Chaka Fattah., and our other friends on this vitally
                    important panel," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the
                    ANCA.

                    On March 16th of this year, Representative George Radanovich (R-
                    CA)and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Frank Pallone (D-
                    NJ)sent a letter to the leadership of the Subcommittee, cosigned by
                    48of their House colleagues, calling for an earmark of at least
                    $75million for Armenia; maintaining equal levels of military aid
                    for Armenia and Azerbaijan; an additional $5 million in direct aid
                    to Nagorno Karabagh for FY 2007, and; keeping in place the Section
                    907 restriction on aid to Azerbaijan.

                    The names of the fifty signatories are as follows: Tom Allen (D-
                    ME), Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Howard Berman(D-
                    CA), Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), Eric Cantor (R-VA), Lois Capps(D-
                    CA), Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), John Conyers (D-MI), Jim Costa (D-CA),
                    Joseph Crowley (D-NY), William Delahunt (D-MA), David Dreier(R-CA),
                    Eliot Engel (D-NY), Mike Ferguson (R-NJ), Barney Frank (D-MA),
                    Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Rush Holt (D-NJ), Michael Honda (D-CA),Dale
                    Kildee (D-MI), James Langevin (D-RI), Sander Levin (D-MI),Frank
                    LoBiondo (R-NJ), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY),
                    Edward Markey (D-MA), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Thaddeus McCotter(R-MI),
                    James McGovern (D-MA), John McHugh (R-NY), Michael McNulty(D-NY),
                    Martin Meehan (D-MA), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Frank Pallone (D-
                    NJ), Donald Payne (D-NJ), Collin Peterson (D-MN), George Radanovich
                    (R-CA), Bobby Rush (D-IL), H. James Saxton (R-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-
                    CA), Joe Schwarz (R-MI), Christopher Shays (R-CT), Brad Sherman (D-
                    CA), Rob Simmons (R-CT), Mark Souder (R-IN), Edolphus Towns (D-NY),
                    Diane Watson (D-CA), Henry Waxman (D-CA), Anthony Weiner (D-NY) and
                    Lynn Woolsey (D-CA).
                    "All truth passes through three stages:
                    First, it is ridiculed;
                    Second, it is violently opposed; and
                    Third, it is accepted as self-evident."

                    Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)

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