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ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY WELCOMES McGOVERN’S APPOINTMENT

Politics

Washington, DC - The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) welcomes Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D-CA) recent selection of Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) to replace the late Congressman Tom Lantos, the Co-Founder of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, as the new Co-Chair.

Chairman Lantos was an ardent defender of human rights throughout his distinguished career in Congress. During the 110th Congress, Lantos strongly supported efforts to end the genocide in Darfur, as well as voted for House Resolution 106, which combats ongoing attempts to deny the historical truth of the Armenian Genocide.

In fact, last October, Lantos, in his role as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee voted in support of this critical human rights bill and stated, "This is one of those events which has to be settled once and for all: 1.5 million utterly innocent Armenian men, women and children were slaughtered. And the Turkish government, until now, has intimidated the Congress of the United States from taking this measure. I think it's important, at a time when genocides are going on in Darfur and elsewhere, not to be an accomplice in sweeping an important genocide under the rug."

"I am honored by Speaker Pelosi's decision and look forward to working with my colleagues to address critical issues facing us today," said Congressman McGovern. "From ending the current genocidal campaign in Darfur and preventing future genocides by reaffirming the historical truth of the Armenian Genocide, I want to ensure that this important body carries forward the legacy of the great Tom Lantos," McGovern continued.

McGovern, like Lantos, strongly supports a wide range of human rights legislation, including H.Res.106. In addition, he is an active member of the Armenian Caucus, serves as Vice-Chairman of the House Rules Committee and is a member of the House Budget Committee.

"Congressman McGovern understands the important role Congress can play in not only bringing attention to human rights abuses, but also in shaping solutions to address them. The Armenian Assembly is committed to working with the Caucus on issues of mutual concern," said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny.

The Human Rights Caucus was founded in 1983 by Co-Chairman Tom Lantos (D-CA) and former Co-Chairman John Edward Porter (R-IL). In 2001, the Caucus welcomed Congressman Frank R. Wolf (R-VA) as Co-Chair when Porter retired from Congress. The Caucus has united the efforts of legislators to fight religious persecution, defend fundamental human rights and has demonstrated the importance of human rights to Congress.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.