Norwegian Prize to Hrant Dink

AZG Armenian Daily #191, 07/10/2006
Award
NORWEGIAN PRIZE TO HRANT DINK
Editor-in-chief of Agos newspaper, Hrant Dink, was
awarded Bornson prize of Norway for raising the issue
of the Armenian Genocide. Dink often wrote about this
issue, which is considered to be very disputable in
Turkey, DPA agency reports. Last summer, the Turkish
Court of Appeal did not overrule the decision of a
First Instance Court of suspended sentence to the
Armenian journalist. According to NTB Norwegian
agency, the prize of 15.000 USD will be given to Hrant
Dink in coastal town of Molde on November 24.
By Marietta Makarian

ANC-PAC Endorses U.S. Senator John Ensign

ANC PAC
104 N. Belmont St.
Suite 200B
Glendale, CA 91206
Press Release
ANC-PAC Endorses U.S. Senator John Ensign
Republican Senator Has Strong Ties To Rapidly Expanding
Armenian American Community in Nevada
October 5, 2006
Las Vegas, NV – The nation’s largest Armenian American grassroots
political action committee issued an endorsement for U.S. Senator John
Ensign this week. The Armenian National Committee – Political Action
Committee (ANC-PAC) urges all Armenian Americans in Nevada to vote
for Senator Ensign when they head to the polls on November 7, 2006.
“John Ensign is a Congressional leader on Armenian issues who has
earned the respect and votes of the ANC-PAC’s supporters in Las Vegas,
Henderson, Reno and throughout the state,” remarked Ara Shirinian who
serves as Co-Chairman of the Nevada ANC. “We are proud of the solid
track record of support the Senator has built over the years in our
community and proud to have the ANC-PAC endorsing him.”
Fellow Nevada ANC Co-Chairman, Dr. Armen Hovanessian, added that,
“Our community respects Senator Ensign for introducing a bill to
recognize the Armenian Genocide in November of 2005 and for keeping
an open channel of communication with our community. While this
legislation was not adopted this year, we know Senator Ensign will
keep fighting until the Congress goes on record acknowledging the
crime against humanity committed against the Armenian people in 1915.”
On September 29th of this year, Senator Ensign took to the Senate
floor to share with his colleagues his concerns over the “unacceptable”
recall of U.S. Ambassador John Evans, who, according to media reports,
was dismissed from office for properly recognizing the Armenian
Genocide.
Upon his introduction last year of the Armenian Genocide Resolution,
Senator Ensign remarked, “It is as important as ever that American
foreign policy reflect our nationís recognition of the Armenian
Genocide. It is my hope that by acknowledging such atrocities we
might help avoid them in the future. I applaud the Armenian people
for their courage and persistence in bringing this horrible chapter
in history to light.” The Ensign 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.” In the 109th
Congress, 34 Senators co-sponsored S.Res. 320.
On July 21, 2006, supporters of the ANC-PAC gathered in Las Vegas to
honor Senator Ensign and raise funds for his reelection campaign.
The event drew a broad cross section of community members, illustrating
the broad appeal the Senator has among all Armenian Americans living
in Nevada. At the event, ANC-PAC official Ara Bedrosian presented
Senator Ensign with the Nevada ANCA Freedom Award in recognition of
his leadership in advancing the cause of human rights and genocide
recognition.
Senator Ensign is presently the Vice Chairman of the Republican
Steering Committee, the group that shapes the party’s legislative
agenda. He is expected to take over the leadership of the National
Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee later this year, replacing
Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) in that prestigious and powerful post.
The ANC-PAC is a non-partisan federally registered political action
committee established to support campaign committees for Members of
Congress who share the values of the Armenian American community.
The ANC-PAC is at the forefront of efforts to ensure that the voice
of the Armenian American community is clearly heard in our nation’s
capital. The ANC-PAC continues a century old tradition of Armenian
Americans engagement on the public policy issues facing national
political leaders, both in the U.S. Congress and the White House.
If you receive this email as “Junk” or “Spam”, please make sure to
add our email as a “Safe” or “Trusted” contact.
–Boundary_(ID_T7EQoLahYhbpW8oqpE4Vfw)–

www.ancpac.org

Holy Etchmiadzin Welcomes Catholics, Anglicans and Muslims

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  (374 10) 517 163
Fax:  (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail:  [email protected]
Website: 
October 5, 2006
Holy Etchmiadzin Welcomes Catholics, Anglicans and Muslims
On Sunday, September 3, the Chief Mufti of Syria and his delegation
attended the Divine Liturgy in the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin
as guests of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
of All Armenians.  His Excellency Sheikh Ahmad Badr Ad-Din Hassoun,
the Mufti of Aleppo and spiritual leader of the Muslims of the Syrian
Arab Republic, was in Armenia last month upon the invitation of the
Catholicos of All Armenians.
As the liturgy commenced, His Holiness Karekin II and Sheikh Ad-Din
Hassoun were escorted by the pontifical procession into the Mother
Cathedral of All Armenians.  The celebrant was His Eminence Archbishop
Yeznik Petrosian.  In his message, the celebrant bishop once more
welcomed the high-ranking guests from Syria to Armenia and extended
the best wishes on behalf of all Armenians to Sheikh Ad-Din Hassoun
and his entire faithful flock.
Also present for the Liturgy this Sunday were Roman Catholic pilgrims
from the Vatican, led by His Excellency Abp. Claudio Gugerotti and
Anglican pilgrims from the Church of England, led by His Grace Bishop
Geoffrey Rowell.  Abp. Petrosian further mentioned how pleasing to
God it must be that Armenians, Catholics, Anglicans and Muslims were
united today in Holy Etchmiadzin raising their prayers of praise and
thanksgiving to heaven.
In attendance for the Divine Liturgy were the Ambassadors of Syria
and Lebanon to Armenia and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.
On the final day of his trip, the Chief Mufti visited Yerevan State
University and presented a lecture on the sanctity of man, divine love
and fraternal love.  He was welcomed by the President of the University
Dr. Aram Simonian and Dean of the Theological Faculty of YSU Very
Rev. Fr. Anushavan Jamkotchian.  Following his lecture to the students
and faculty, the Mufti answered questions from those assembled.
Additionally, the Chief Mufti visited the Vaskenian Theological
Seminary of Lake Sevan and the historic “Blue” Mosque in central
Yerevan.  Prior to his departure, Sheikh Ad-Din Hassoun and His
Holiness Karekin II participated in a joint press conference held in
Holy Etchmiadzin.
At the conclusion of the visit of the spiritual leader of Syria,
His Holiness offered prayers to heaven, asking the Almighty to bless,
keep and strengthen the Chief Mufti of Syria and to make his service
to his nation and people fruitful and successful.
##
–Boundary_(ID_yLQSe9SMwMVYAXWp+f kbiA)–

www.armenianchurch.org

ACLU Sues DEA, Police Officers for Roughing Up Amtrak Passengers

ACLU Sues DEA, Police Officers for Roughing Up Amtrak Passengers
THE TORCH, Fall 2006, Volume 41, Number 3
The Newsletter of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico
A drug enforcement agent and two police offices illegally searched
and roughed up an Armenian couple as the couple’s Amtrak train stopped
in Albuquerque on the afternoon of August 17, 2005.
During the search, one agent pulled bras and underwear from a
personal bag belonging to Diana Arutinova, smiling lasciviously as
the accompanying agents laughed and made coarse jokes. Arutinova and
her partner, Edgar Manukian, told the three agents they had nothing
illegal in their bags and to stop searching. The officers ignored
their wishes.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico sued the
officers on the couple’s behalf, claiming multiple violations of both
Arutinova’s and Manukian’s civil rights.
“This was a gross abuse of power,” said ACLU executive director
Peter Simonson. “The agents had Arutinova and Manukian at their
mercy and they used the opportunity to entertain themselves and to
terrorize the couple.”
Things went from bad to worse after the illegal search. Manukian
asked the officers for their names and badge numbers. Agent Jay
Perry pushed Manukian toward the train door and said, “You want my
name? What are you gonna do about it, —hole?”
Fearing for her husband’s safety, Arutinova stepped in between the
two men, but Perry grabbed her roughly by the arm and shook her so
hard that her head struck the wall. Perry then dragged Arutinova by
the arm back down the hallway toward the couple’s roomette, striking
her head against the wall two or three more times. He stopped only
when Arutinova began to scream.
Manukian took photos of the departing agents, but one officer noticed
the camera and the agents returned. Perry grabbed Manukian’s arm and
yelled, “What the hell are you doing taking pictures of us?
Give me that camera!” The agents seized the camera and walked away.
Simonson said, “Clearly the officers were trying to cover their tracks
by seizing the camera. The act was as cowardly as it was illegal.”
Zachary Ives and Martha Mulvaney of Freidman, Boyd, Daniel, Hollander
and Goldberg PA are litigating the case for the ACLU along with
ACLU staff attorney George Bach and ACLU Legal Director Phil Davis.
The case was filed in federal district court.
The counts against the officers include retaliation for protected
speech, excessive use of force, and unreasonable search and seizure.
The plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages.

ANCA-WR Press Release

************************************************** **************************
Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Telephone: (818) 500-1918
Facsimile: (818) 246-7353
[email protected]
************************************* ***************************************
PRESS RELEASE +++ PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: October 5, 2006
Contact: Lerna Kayserian
Tel: (818) 500-1918
BOB COLLINS TO BE HONORED AT ANCA-WR ANNUAL BANQUET
GLENDALE, CA – Supporters and friends of the Armenian National
Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) gathered on September
29, 2006 at the home of Hovig and Aida Dimejian for the organization’s
traditional Banquet Kickoff Party. Community leaders, organizational
representatives, activists and benefactors were among over 100 people
in attendance.
“This year’s ANCA-WR Annual Banquet promises to be another sell out
event,” commented Aida Dimejian, Chairwoman of the Banquet Committee
and a member of the ANCA-WR Board of Directors. “The attendees
will witness, first hand, all of the remarkable accomplishments
our organization achieves for the benefit of our community,” the
chairwoman added.
Mr. and Mrs. Dimejian, who graciously hosted the event, welcomed
guests to their home and thanked those in attendance. Top donors at the
banquet kick-off event included philanthropists and long-time ANCA-WR
supporters, who pledged to sponsor tables at the Annual Banquet.
Attendees were also updated on the details of the annual gala, which
will be held on November 12, 2006 at the Marriott Hotel in Downtown,
Los Angeles.
ANCA-WR Chairman Steven Dadaian announced that Bob Collins, Chief
Instructional Officer for Secondary Education for the Los Angeles
Unified School District will be this year’s recipient for the Man
of the Year Award. This prestigious award is granted to individuals
who have made remarkable contributions in advancing the concerns of
Armenian Americans and the community as a whole.
The ANCA-WR will honor Mr. Collins for his leading role in implementing
the Armenian Genocide curriculum in the Los Angeles Unified School
District. His efforts in bringing a full and accurate human rights
education to the almost one million students in the Los Angeles
Unified School District distinguish him as a community leader.
“Bob Collins is an exceptional educational leader,” commented ANCA-WR
Chairman Steve Dadaian. “His bold steps are allowing hundreds of
thousands of our fellow Americans to learn about the Armenian Genocide
and why crimes against humanity represent a grave danger to us all,”
the ANCA-WR Chairman added.
Due to limited space, the event is expected to sell-out shortly.
Those interested in attending the banquet may contact the ANCA-WR
office at (818) 500-1918 to reserve a table or individuals tickets.
The 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.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

www.ANCA.org

His Holiness Karekin II Receives President of Romania

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  (374 10) 517 163
Fax:  (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail:  [email protected]
Website: 
October 6, 2006
His Holiness Karekin II Receives President of Romania
His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians, received President of Romania Traian Basescu and
his delegation yesterday, October 5.  The Romanian president was
accompanied by Andranik Manukian, Minister of Transportation and
Communication of the Republic of Armenia and the ambassadors of
both countries.
Welcoming President Basescu to the headquarters of the Armenian Church,
His Holiness expressed his pleasure at the strong relations enjoyed
between the two states, stating “(They are) the continuation of
the close and warm ties that have existed between our peoples since
the Middle Ages.  It gives us joy that Romanian-Armenians have for
centuries had their important contribution to the life of Romania
with their devoted service.”  Recalling that His Holiness Vasken I of
blessed memory, the 130th Catholicos of All Armenians, was born and
lived in Romania, the Armenian Pontiff noted that the nearly 40-year
reign of Vasken Catholicos played a significant role in the renewal
and reconstruction of the Mother See.  His Holiness also extended
his congratulations to Romania for their upcoming membership in the
European Union, and extended his fraternal love and warm regards to
His Beatitude Teoctist I, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
President Basescu thanked His Holiness for the audience and expressed
his respect and admiration for the Armenian Church, her long history
and the faithful Armenian people.  The president spoke of the important
role of spiritual values and religions in the shaping of a healthy
society, noting the imperative for ecumenical and inter-faith dialogue
at the highest levels to face the issues challenging mankind.
The meeting concluded with the Romanian president and the Catholicos of
All Armenians reflecting on the current status of Europe and Armenia’s
place as the first among Christian nations.
##
–Boundary_(ID_Ih346A0hZdND7zqBuTvPB Q)–

www.armenianchurch.org

ANCA: Serj Tankian Welcomes Hoagland "Hold"

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:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
SERJ TANKIAN WELCOMES HOAGLAND “HOLD”
— System of a Down Vocalist Praises
New Jersey Senator’s Principled Stand
“[Bob Menendez’s] principled stand represents a powerful
contribution to the worldwide effort to end the denial
of justice for this crime, and break forever the
worldwide cycle of genocide.” — Serj Tankian
WASHINGTON, DC – Serj Tankian, lead singer for the Grammy Award-
winning band System of a Down, has welcomed the “hold” placed by
Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) on the confirmation of Richard
Hoagland as U.S. Ambassador to Armenia until the Bush
Administration ends its denial of the Armenian Genocide.
“I respect U.S. Senator Bob Menendez’s decision to block the
President’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Armenia until the Bush
Administration ends its cover-up of the Armenian Genocide,” said
Serj Tankian. “His principled stand represents a powerful
contribution to the worldwide effort to end the denial of justice
for this crime, and break forever the worldwide cycle of genocide.”
This April, Tankian was joined by fellow System member John
Dolmayan in a three-day Armenian Genocide recognition advocacy tour
of Washington, DC, featuring meetings with Members of Congress, an
anti-denial rally outside the Turkish Embassy, and a Capitol Hill
screening of the new Genocide documentary “Screamers.” For a full
review of the tour, visit:
leases.php?prid=945
In announcing his decision last month to block the Hoagland
nomination, Sen. Menendez stressed that, “as a leader and defender
of democracy, it is our nation’s responsibility to speak out
against injustice and support equality and human rights. But if
the Bush Administration continues to refuse to acknowledge the
atrocities of the Armenian Genocide, then there is certainly cause
for great alarm, which is why I am placing a hold on this nominee.”
He added that, “I will continue to work with my colleagues in the
United States Senate to make strides toward ensuring that all
people, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity, receive
protection from policies of discrimination and hate that lead to
genocide.”
On September 7th, after more than forty minutes of intense debate,
the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved Ambassador-
Designate Hoagland’s nomination. Following the vote, the ANCA
announced that it would continue to urge Senators to place a hold
on the Hoagland nomination. On two previous occasions, June 28th
and August 1st, the panel delayed its consideration of the
nomination due to bipartisan concerns over a series of
controversies. Among these points of contention were the nominee’s
written responses to Senator Boxer’s inquiry, in which he
questioned the genocidal intent of the Ottoman Turkish government.
Also of concern to members of the panel was the State Department’s
firing of the current U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Marshal
Evans. His early recall from Yerevan is widely seen as retribution
for his public statements, in February of 2005, calling for an end
to “word games” by the U.S. government in avoiding the proper
recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Despite dozens of
Congressional inquiries, the Administration has yet to explain its
reasons for firing Amb. Evans or to reveal the communications it
received from the Turkish government on this matter.
To date, more than half of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,
including Senators George Allen (R-VA), Joseph Biden (D-DE),
Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), Norm Coleman,
Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Russell Feingold (D-WI), John Kerry (D-
MA), Barack Obama (D-IL) and Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), have contacted
Secretary Rice or questioned Ambassador-designate Hoagland directly
regarding his nomination or the firing of Ambassador Evans.
Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Jack Reed
(D-RI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and most recently John Ensign (R-NV),
along with over sixty Members of the U.S. House have also expressed
serious concerns to the State Department on this matter.
In a September 1st letter, the ANCA urged Members of the Committee
to block the Hoagland nomination until:
1) Ambassador-designate Hoagland provides a responsible and
unambiguous public statement affirming that he does not question
the clear genocidal intent of the Ottoman Turkish government
against its Armenian population.
2) The State Department provides a full, honest, and public
explanation regarding the reasons for the controversial firing of
the current Ambassador, John Marshall Evans.
3) The Administration explains any and all communications,
directly or indirectly, between the U.S. government and the Turkish
government concerning Ambassador Evans.
Since February of this year, the ANCA has led nationwide efforts to
demand answers concerning the recall of Ambassador Evans and,
later, to educate Senators about the adverse impact of sending an
envoy to Armenia that has called into question the genocidal
character of Ottoman Turkey’s systematic destruction of its
Armenian population.
#####

www.anca.org

MFA of Armenia: Minister Oskanian’s Meetings in Moscow

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
—————————————— —-
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
Government House # 2, Republic Square
Yerevan 0010, Republic of Armenia
Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +37410. 562543
Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
06-10-2006
Minister Oskanian’s Meetings in Moscow
Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan Oskanian today participated in
consultations with the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, under the
auspices of the Minsk Group co-chairs, in Moscow. In a day-long
meeting at the Russian Foreign Ministry, the ministers assessed
the current situation, identified the problematic issues still in
dispute, and heard the co-chairs’ ideas as to how to overcome those
differences. Minister Oskanian said the Armenian side has taken note
of the discussion, which he characterized as food for thought and said
they would receive serious consideration prior to the next meeting
before the end of the month.
In the margins of the Minsk Group meeting, Russian Minister of Foreign
Affairs Sergei Lavrov received Minister Oskanian. The bilateral
meeting between the two ministers began with a discussion on the
negotiations and the situation surrounding Nagorno Karabakh. They
also discussed recent developments in the South Caucasus and possible
outcomes. Minister Oskanian and Minister Lavrov also explored other
bilateral issues.

www.armeniaforeignministry.am

Bob Collins To Be Honored At ANCA-Wr Annual Banquet

************************************************** **************************
Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Telephone: (818) 500-1918
Facsimile: (818) 246-7353
[email protected]
************************************* ***************************************
PRESS RELEASE +++ PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: October 5, 2006
Contact: Lerna Kayserian
Tel: (818) 500-1918
BOB COLLINS TO BE HONORED AT ANCA-WR ANNUAL BANQUET
GLENDALE, CA – Supporters and friends of the Armenian National
Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) gathered on September
29, 2006 at the home of Hovig and Aida Dimejian for the
organization’s traditional Banquet Kickoff Party. Community leaders,
organizational representatives, activists and benefactors were
among over 100 people in attendance.
“This year’s ANCA-WR Annual Banquet promises to be another sell out
event,” commented Aida Dimejian, Chairwoman of the Banquet Committee
and a member of the ANCA-WR Board of Directors. “The attendees will
witness, first hand, all of the remarkable accomplishments our
organization achieves for the benefit of our community,” the
chairwoman added.
Mr. and Mrs. Dimejian, who graciously hosted the event, welcomed
guests to their home and thanked those in attendance. Top donors at
the banquet kick-off event included philanthropists and long-time
ANCA-WR supporters, who pledged to sponsor tables at the Annual
Banquet. Attendees were also updated on the details of the annual
gala, which will be held on November 12, 2006 at the Marriott Hotel
in Downtown, Los Angeles.
ANCA-WR Chairman Steven Dadaian announced that Bob Collins, Chief
Instructional Officer for Secondary Education for the Los Angeles
Unified School District will be this year’s recipient for the Man of
the Year Award. This prestigious award is granted to individuals who
have made remarkable contributions in advancing the concerns of
Armenian Americans and the community as a whole.
The ANCA-WR will honor Mr. Collins for his leading role in
implementing the Armenian Genocide curriculum in the Los Angeles
Unified School District. His efforts in bringing a full and accurate
human rights education to the almost one million students in the Los
Angeles Unified School District distinguish him as a community
leader.
“Bob Collins is an exceptional educational leader,” commented
Dimejian. “His bold steps are allowing hundreds of thousands of our
fellow Americans to learn about the Armenian Genocide and why crimes
against humanity represent a grave danger to us all.”
Due to limited space, the event is expected to sell-out shortly.
Those interested in attending the banquet may contact the ANCA-WR
office at (818) 500-1918 to reserve a table or individuals tickets.
The 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.

www.ANCA.org

ANC of NJ Endorses Bob Menendez for U.S. Senate

Armenian National Committee of New Jersey
461 Bergen Blvd
Ridgefield, NJ 07657
(201) 945-0011
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2006
Contact: Ani Tchaghlasian
[email protected]
ARMENIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF NEW JERSEY
ENDORSES BOB MENENDEZ FOR U.S. SENATE
— Calls on Garden State Armenians to
Vote for Menendez on November 7th
RIDGEFIELD, NJ – The Armenian National Committee of New Jersey (ANC-NJ),
the grassroots voice of over 50,000 Garden State Armenian families, has
endorsed the candidacy of Senator Bob Menendez.
“Bob Menendez, a true champion for Armenian Americans in New Jersey
and across the country, is our clear choice for U.S. Senate,” said
ANC-NJ Chairwoman Ani Tchaghlasian. “We value Bob Menendez’s
principled leadership on Armenian issues – most notably his firm
stand against the Hoagland nomination – and will encourage all
Armenians – Democrats, Republicans and independents – to go to the
polls in support of his candidacy on November 7th.”
Last month, in a powerful show of moral courage and solidarity with
New Jersey’s Armenian American voters, Senator Menendez placed a
“hold” on the nomination of Richard Hoagland as U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia over the Administration’s deeply flawed policy of denying
the Armenian Genocide. His stand was welcomed statewide as a
reflection of the Senator’s uncompromising commitment to core
values and his strength in fighting for his beliefs.
During his tenure in the U.S. House, before joining the Senate
earlier this year, Bob Menendez served on both the House
International Relations Committee and the Congressional Caucus on
Armenian Issues. While in both the Senate and the House, he
consistently received “A” ratings from the ANCA for his effective
leadership on the full range of Armenian American issues.
#####