Armenian National Committee of America
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PRESS RELEASE
September 13, 2005
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
GREEK AMERICANS CALL FOR ADOPTION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE LEGISLATION
— American Hellenic Institute Urges Committee
Passage of H.Res. 316 and H.Con.Res. 195
WASHINGTON, DC – The American Hellenic Institute (AHI), today,
urged House International Relations Committee Chairman Henry Hyde
(R-IL) to work for committee approval of Armenian Genocide
legislation, set to be considered by the panel on Thursday,
September 15, reported the Armenian National Committee of America
(ANCA).
In a September 13th letter to Chairman Hyde, AHI Executive Director
Nick Larigakis, explained that, “Americans of Hellenic origin, and
I believe most Americans, have long held that the U.S. Congress
should be on record as recognizing the Armenian Genocide,
commemorating this crime against all humanity, and applying its
lessons to help prevent future atrocities and genocides.” He went
on to note that “Sadly, due to the powerful pressure brought to
bear by the Turkish lobby’s threats and intimidation, legislation
along these lines has been blocked from passage.”
“We want to thank Nick Larigakis and all our friends at the
American Hellenic Institute for their steadfast support for U.S.
recognition of the Armenian Genocide,” said ANCA Executive Director
Aram Hamparian. “The assistance of our Greek American allies for
this legislation means a great deal to us – here in Washington, DC,
and in communities around the country.”
The American Hellenic Institute strengthens United States relations
with Greece and Cyprus and within the American Hellenic community.
Congressional support for Armenian Genocide legislation (H.Res.316
and H.Con.Res.195) continued to grow this week, with House
Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) joining Ways and Means
Committee Chairman Bill Thomas (R-CA) in pledging support for
H.Res.316.