CASTLE ROCK, CO – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) today praised Republican Representative Thomas G. Tancredo (CO-6) for his moral stance on the Armenian Genocide.

In letters the Congressman sent in response to constituents asking for his support of the Armenian Genocide resolutions pending in the 109th Congress, Rep. Tancredo wrote “I believe that the atrocities committed against the Armenian people is worthy of the term ‘genocide’. It was carried out the Ottoman Empire in 1915-1916, and large numbers of Armenians were methodically massacred.”

Colorado Armenian American community leaders and activists who began receiving the letters this month expressed their appreciation for the Congressman’s candid remarks. Long-time ANCA-WR supporter and community leader, Dr. Garo Chalian, and ANC activist Simon Maghakyan, who were among the constituents receiving Rep. Tancredo’s response, were encouraged by the Congressman’s clear and unambiguous statement. Last week, ANCA Government Affairs Director Kate Nahapetian met members of Representative’s staff in Washington, DC to extend thanks to the Congressman and to discuss pressing foreign affairs matters of concern to Armenian Americans.

“Congressman Tancredo voted for passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution in 2000,” cited Steven Dadaian, Chairman of the ANCA-WR. “Having his support again is critical as he serves on the House International Relations Committee.”

The State of Colorado has a growing and vibrant Armenian American community. Armenians of Colorado, an organization dedicated to advancing understanding of Armenian history, culture, religion, language, and heritage, has consistently maintained strong ties with the Colorado state officials and its Congressional delegation. In 2003, the Colorado General Assembly permanently designated April 24th “Colorado Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide” urged the United States Congress to likewise act to commemorate the Armenian Genocide.

Two resolutions dealing with the Armenian Genocide have been introduced in the 109th session of the House of Representatives. H.Res. 316 was introduced on June 14, 2005 by Rep. George Radanovich (CA-19), and Rep. Adam Schiff introduced H.Con.Res. 195 on June 29th. Both H.Res. 316 and H.Con. Res. 195 enjoy strong bi-partisan support, to date having earned 112 and 83 cosponsors, respectively. The resolutions have been referred to the House International Relations Committee and are currently pending markup in the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations, where Rep. Tancredo serves.

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.