Washington, D.C. – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) is pleased to report that 5 Members of the United States House of Representatives have recently joined in support of Darfur related legislation as cosponsors. Anti-genocide activists from numerous western states traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in a joint advocacy week organized by the Armenian National Committee of America and Genocide Intervention Network (GIN). Taking place from March 12-14, 2008 on Capitol Hill, activists provided informational materials and support for legislation related to the ongoing crisis in Darfur and the Armenian Genocide resolution. “We must stop the genocide in Darfur,” stated ANCA-WR Executive Director Andrew Kzirian. “Activists help to create the will that supports these important pieces of legislation in the House and Senate – and together we can educate our elected officials as to why it is so critically important to act and end the cycle of genocide,” he added. The various areas of legislation discussed included H. Res. 106 (the Armenian Genocide resolution), H. Res. 1011 and S. Res. 470, which call for a comprehensive regional strategy for Chad, Central African Republic and Darfur, Sudan. Also brought up was S. Res. 455, which calls for peace in Darfur, implementation of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act and supplemental funding for the peacekeeping mission in Darfur.

Members of Congress adding their name in cosponsorship of H. Res. 1011 were: Trent Franks (R-AZ-02), Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX-18), Pete Stark (D-CA-13), Thomas Tancredo (R-CO-06), and Maxine Waters (D-CA-35).

During advocacy week, over 100 meetings were held with with numerous congressman and information regarding the Armenian Genocide and key Darfur legislation was communicated to all Senate and House offices

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.