karakash

Statement by Sen. Barack Obama Commemorating the Armenian Genocide April 28, 2008 Mr. President, last week, we paused in remembrance of the Armenian genocide , which was carried out by the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923. Nearly 2 million Armenians were deported, and approximately 1.5 million of those deported were killed. It is imperative that we recognize the horrific acts carried out against the Armenian people as genocide and I will continue to stand with the Armenian American community in calling for the Government of Turkey to acknowledge it as such. The occurrence of the Armenian genocide is a widely documented fact supported by an overwhelming collection of historical evidence. I was deeply disturbed 2 years ago when the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia was fired after he used the term “genocide” to describe the mass slaughter of Armenians. I called for Secretary Rice to closely examine what I believe is an untenable position taken by the U.S. Government. I will continue to push for the acknowledgement of the Armenian genocide, and I offer the Armenian people my condolences.

Yes, the local ANCA chapters work on such issues. We are very close in one of those states. Texas would be the hardest to do.

That is not true. Members of Congress are being encouraged to make statements regarding the 20th anniversary of the Karabagh movement.

Instead of taking these ANCA articles from other sources, why not just get them directly from the ANCA - www.anca.org

I forgot to add one thing - Yerevan is NOT lawless. I felt completely safe at 2 am walking the streets of Yerevan.

I was an AAA intern in both 1998 and 1999, in Washington, DC and in Armenia at the Americas Desk at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I now work for the ANCA in Washington, DC. I think you will be happy with any internship you choose. The AAA program in DC puts you on the Hill or at the AAA offices. The ANCA internship in DC focuses on community building and you work out of our office. The ANCA also has the Capitol Gateway Program which is for recent college graduates who want to find work in DC. We help with finding a job and you get three months of free housing once you get here. The AAA internship in Armenia was very fun. I highly recommend it, but from what I understand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is no longer accepting AAA interns. I don't know too much about Birthright, but have heard many good things about that and the AGBU internship in NYC. Visit our website to learn more - www.anca.org

We will get the resolution done in March or April 2008.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee will mark up the resolution in September or October. Once it passes that committee, it gets sent to the House floor for a vote. But we can have 350 cosponsors - unless the Speaker pushes the chairman of the comittee for a committee vote, this resolution won't move. Then, even after it passes the committee level, the Speaker still needs to bring it to the floor for a vote. I'm guessing this will all happen in about a month.

Hopefully September.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/20...20070803-3.html Today, Friday, August 3, 2007, the White House withdrew the nomination of Amb. Richard Hoagland to serve as ambassador to Armenia. Visit www.anca.org for more details. The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/20...20070803-3.html

The New Republic - July 23, 2007. Pick it up at your local bookstore.

We are now at 227.

We are now at 223.

First off, we need 218 votes to pass, not 238. Second, Lantos is the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. In the past, he has not been supportive of the Armenian Genocide Resolution. However, he voted for it in 2005 during the committee vote and is expected to support it again this time. Regardless of what Lantos believes, if Speaker Pelosi tells him to bring it up for a mark up in committee, he will do it. Watch for the committee mark up and floor vote for some time at the end of July or beginning of September.

Now at 200. Look for a vote in late July or early September.

Up to 199 supporters in the House.... www.anca.org

Up to 196 supports in the House.... www.anca.org

Amb. Hoagland's nomination is currently blocked by the "hold" placed by Sen. Bob Menendez of NJ. If he continues that hold, the only way Hoagland can make it to Armenia is via a recess appointment. There have been many opportunities during the past few months for Pres. Bush to make a recess appointment - meaning appointing someone during the congressional recess and thus bypassing the normal confirmation process. Bush has yet to do that and will probably not do it. The blocking of this nomination demonstrated the strength of the Armenian American community - particularly those in the community that were opposed to this nomination following remarks made during the Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing.

Armenian National Committee of America 1711 N Street NW Washington, DC 20036 Tel. (202) 775-1918 Fax. (202) 775-5648 Email anca@anca.org Internet www.anca.org PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 18, 2007 Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian Tel: (202) 775-1918 SENATOR HILLARY CLINTON AND SENATE MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID COSPONSOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION -- Thirty Senators have Announced Support for Anti-Genocide Legislation -- Watch Senator Obama Discuss the Resolution on YouTube WASHINGTON, DC - In a move welcomed today by the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), two of the nation's most prominent Senators - Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and leading 2008 Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton (D-NY) - agreed to cosponsor S.Res.106, the Armenian Genocide Resolution. "We're very gratified that two prominent national leaders - Hillary Clinton and Harry Reid - agreed today to join with a growing number of their Senate colleagues in supporting the passage of the Armenian Genocide Resolution," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "As the growth in cosponsors demonstrates, this anti- genocide measure clearly enjoys the support of a broad, bipartisan majority in both houses of Congress." The Senate resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide was introduced last month by Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D- IL) and Senator John Ensign (R-NV). The measure is a companion to U.S. House resolution, H.Res.106, introduced by Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA), George Radanovich (R-CA), Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), and Foreign Affairs Committee members Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI). With the addition this week of Tim Bishop (D-NY), Bruce Braley (D-IA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Duncan Hunter (R-CA), David Reichart (R-WA), John Salazar (D-CO), and Tom Tancredo (R-CO), the House measure currently has over 190 cosponsors. Joining Senators Durbin and Ensign as cosponsors of the Armenian Genocide resolution are Wayne Allard (R-CO), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Sam Brownback (R-KS), Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Norm Coleman (R-MN), Susan Collins (R-ME), Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), Russell Feingold (D-WI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Tim Johnson (D-SD), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), John Kerry (D- MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Carl Levin (D- MI), Joseph Lieberman (I-CT), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Jack Reed (D-RI), Harry Reid (D-NV), Ken Salazar (D-CO), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), John Sununu (R-NH), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). In a powerful speech today on the Senate floor, Senator Bararba Boxer, a long-standing and energetic champion of Armenian Genocide recognition, stressed that she is "proud to be an original co- sponsor of Senator Richard Durbin's Senate Resolution 106. The California legislator, speaking to her Senate colleagues, argued forcefully that, "We must recognize the genocide because it's the right thing to do. We must recognize the Armenian Genocide to help shed light on the darkness and move toward a more humane world." Last week, during remarks at a Washington, DC breakfast for Illinois constituents, Senator Barak Obama, fielded a question from ANCA Eastern U.S. Executive Director Karine Birazian about his support for the Armenian Genocide Resolution. In his response, he explained to the audience the basic facts about the Genocide and promised to give careful consideration to cosponsoring the measure. Senator Obama serves on the Foreign Relations Committee and is among the top contenders for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination. His remarks can be viewed on YouTube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=apR_0df-p54 The increase in Senate and House support for the Armenian Genocide resolutions follows an intensive two-day Capitol Hill advocacy program in March, organized by the ANCA and the Genocide Intervention Network, dedicated to ending the cycle of genocide. Over 100 anti-genocide advocates from across the United States participated in the grassroots campaign, reaching out to all 535 Senate and House offices. The Washington, DC component of the program was followed by local activist meetings in Congressional districts across the U.S. during the recently-concluded two-week April district work period. Armenian American grassroots efforts are being opposed by successive waves of Turkish parliamentary delegations who are seeking to convince Representatives and Senators to reject Armenian Genocide recognition by threatening a break in U.S.-Turkey relations. This week's six-member Turkish lobby team included former Turkish Ambassador to the U.S. Sukru Elekdag, and former Ambassador to Germany Onur Oymen.

This is one of the most important traditions in which Armenians in Jerusalem take part.

SENATOR ROBERT MENENDEZ HONORED AS ANC-NJ MAN OF THE YEAR Garden State Armenians Thank Senator for Blocking the Hoagland Nomination RIDGEFIELD, NJ - More than two hundred supporters of the Armenian National Committee of New Jersey (ANC-NJ) were on hand this weekend for the granting of the grassroots organization's prestigious Man of the Year award to U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ). The ceremony took place on Sunday, February 11, 2007 at the Rockleigh Country Club in Rockleigh, New Jersey. The elegant program was attended by a cross-section of Armenian American leaders from the New York metropolitan area, Church leaders representing Armenian Apostolic, Evangelical, and Catholic communities, and, from the Republic of Armenia, a very special guest, the Honorable Vahan Hovhannisyan, Deputy Speaker of the Armenian Parliament. ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian introduced the Senator, noting his long history of support for the democratic aspirations of the Garden State's Armenian community. Hamparian reviewed the Senator's strong support for expanded U.S.-Armenia ties, his devotion to the proper recognition of the Armenian Genocide, his energetic protests of the unfair firing of the former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Marshall Evans, for speaking truthfully about this crime, and - most recently - the Senatorial "hold" he has placed on the President's new nominee for this post, Dick Hoagland, over his denial of this crime against humanity. To thunderous applause and an extended standing ovation, ANC-NJ chairperson Ani Tchaghlasian invited Senator Menendez to accept his award. In accepting the award, Sen. Menendez offered heartfelt remarks, stating that, "despite denials by the Turkish Government, despite the current Administration's position, we know, we know, the atrocities committed between 1915 and 1923 constitute genocide." Noting that countless historians had characterized the events of 1915 to 1923 as genocide, he reminded those gathered of his unwavering support for truth and justice. "When I saw what happened to the previous Ambassador, and when I saw what Ambassador Hoagland referred to in his proceedings, I was glad to have arrived in the United States Senate in time to send a very clear message, and use my power as an individual Senator of the United States to put a hold on his nomination. I will continue that hold on his re-nomination." Interrupted repeatedly by applause, the Senator concluded his powerful remarks by thanking his supporters, in particular the Armenian National Committee of New Jersey. The Armenian National Committee of America is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

I was referring to the number of Turks in the anti-Armenian protest in NYC on tuesday night.

Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region PO Box 1066, New York, NY 10040 Tel. (917) 428-1918 * Fax. (718) 478-4073 * Email. ancaer@anca.org PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release ~ 2007-01-24 Contact: Tony Vartanian ~ ONE THOUSAND GATHER TO CONDEMN THE ASSASSINATION OF HRANT DINK NEW YORK, NY - A crowd of more than 1000 gathered opposite the Turkish Mission to the United Nations on Tuesday evening, Jan. 23, in a tremendous outpouring of grief and anger over the murder of Armenian journalist Hrant Dink. The vigil was organized by the Armenian National Committees of New York and New Jersey, with participation from area Armenian organizations as well as a small number of progressive Turkish activists and intellectuals. Dink was Editor of the Armenian-Turkish newspaper Agos, and was a leading voice of reform and democratization within Turkey. He was assassinated in Istanbul on Jan. 19 by a 17-year-old Turkish youth amid a growing tide of Turkish government pressure to silence Dink’s writings on the Armenian Genocide. The event began at 6:30 pm with opening remarks by Herand Markarian of the ANC. Speaking in Armenian, Markarian stressed that Dink’s murder was an affront not only to Armenians, but to all those who stand for democracy and justice. “We are all Hrant Dink,” Markarian pronounced, echoing mourners at Dink’s funeral in Turkey. Markarian also noted the presence of hostile demonstrators approximately 50 young Turkish zealots who had assembled across the street from the vigil. In their attempt to disrupt the proceedings, these men loudly chanted “Armenian lies” and other hateful slogans and obscenities, leading Markarian to remark, “This is the culture of hate and intolerance we are up against today. We cannot allow such vile provocations to deter us from seeking justice.” Markarian’s comments drew a loud, energetic response from the crowd. Markarian then invited Curtis Sliwa, Guardian Angels founder and New York radio personality, to the podium. Sliwa forcefully condemned Dink’s murder and repeated his solidarity with Armenian demands, noting that such acts were likely to continue until Turkey comes to terms with its past. Sliwa’s remarks were met with loud applause from those assembled. The program continued with remarks by Antranig Kasbarian of the ANC. Speaking in English, Kasbarian noted that Dink was not an extremist, but a proponent of dialogue and moderation. In this vein, Dink’s murder becomes all the more heinous, indicating Turkey’s extreme intolerance of any moves toward change. Kasbarian emphasized that this was not an isolated act, but the result of Turkey’s ongoing policies of denial and suppression of dissent. “We all know this crime doesn’t end with a 17-year-old extremist. When the murderer says he isn’t sorry, and that Hrant Dink deserved to be murdered, then the true culprit is official Turkish culture which breeds hate and intolerance,” Kasbarian noted. “We shouldn’t look for hidden agendas in describing this killing. The agenda is clear for all to see.” Dink’s murder would likely dash Turkey’s bid to join the European Union, explained Kasbarian. “Clearly, this crime is a major setback for Turkey. The country’s Prime Minister and Justice Minister now try to convince us of their sorrow and regret, but these officials only recently defended Dink’s conviction for “insulting Turkishness” with his writings on the Armenian Genocide. This clearly indicates that Turkey is not ready to join the civilized states of this world.” Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church, then led a brief prayer while flowers were distributed to attendees. After brief introductory words, Archbishop Choloyan led the group in prayer while counter-protesters continued to attempt to denigrate the proceedings. They were eventually drowned out by the large crowd. Kasbarian then read a brief biography of Hrant Dink and excerpts of recent statements made by Dink. He also acknowledged the presence and solidarity of progressive Turkish activists and intellectuals. One young woman from Istanbul, who was invited to address the gathering stated that she knew Hrant Dink personally, and that his loss was a loss for all freedom-loving people, Armenians and Turks alike. She concluded by reciting a poem she had written in Dink’s memory. Participants then laid flowers before a candle-lit platform in Dink’s memory. Kasbarian concluded with a call to action: “Hrant Dink’s death cannot go in vain. If we are to honor his memory, then we must continue our quest for justice. Make your voices heard: Struggle for Armenian Genocide recognition. Struggle for U.S. and Turkish acknowledgement of this crime, and of the larger cause we all hold so dear.” The gathering dispersed shortly before 8pm. ####

Number of Turks present - 30 Number of Armenians present - 1,000-1,200 estimation (at a minimum)