Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues
Armenian Assembly of America 1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Phone: 202-393-3434 Fax: 202-638-4904 Email: info@aaainc.org Web: www.armenianassembly.org
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 2005 CONTACT: Christine Kojoian Email: ckojoian@aaainc.org
CONGRESSMAN MOORE JOINS ARMENIAN CAUCUS
Total Membership Reaches 146
Washington, DC - The Armenian Assembly today welcomed the news that Congressman Dennis Moore (D-KS) has joined the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, making him the second representative from the Sunflower State to join this all important body.
ARAMAC State Chair for Kansas Alex Kotoyantz, a longtime Armenian issues advocate, personally encouraged the Congressman's membership and provided his office with information on pertinent issues.
"I am proud to be the latest member to join the Armenian Caucus, and to participate as part of this bi-partisan group," Congressman Moore said. "It is my hope to coordinate with the Caucus Co-Chairs and this diverse coalition to help foster greater ties between the United States and Armenia."
"The Assembly extends its appreciation and thanks to Congressman Moore for joining the Caucus and appreciates his expression of support for issues of importance to the Armenian-American community and homeland," said Assembly Board of Directors Chairman Anthony Barsamian. "We also commend Alex Kotoyantz, who once again has demonstrated the power of grassroots advocacy."
Earlier this year, Kotoyantz worked with community activists to encourage Governor Kathleen Sebelius to issue a proclamation formally recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Previous to that, he helped secure the "Kansas-Armenia Partnership Day" proclamation recognizing the importance of the recently forged relationship between the Kansas National Guard and Armenia within the framework of the State's Partnership Program.
Congressman Moore is currently serving his fourth term in office and is a member of the House Financial Services and Budget Committees.
The Armenian Caucus was formed in 1995 to provide a bi-partisan forum for legislators to discuss how the United States can better assist the people of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Co-Chaired by Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), the Caucus has, over the years, played a critical role on a wide range of issues, including assistance programs for Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, the ongoing Azerbaijani and Turkish blockades, the Karabakh peace process and efforts to reaffirm the U.S. record on the Armenian Genocide.
The Armenian Assembly of America 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. NR#2005-087