07/10: Majority Leader Reid wrote a letter to the State Department concerning Matthew Bryza's nomination to be Ambassador to Azerbaijan, noting numerous questions had been raised during his confirmation hearing. Senator Reid specifically asked for answers concerning a possible conflict of interest and measures which were being taken to ensure there were no conflicts; Mr. Bryza's actions in response to Azerbaijan's videotaped demolition of an ancient Armenian cemetery in Djulfa; Mr. Bryza's commitment to highlighting Armenian cultural patrimony in Azerbaijan and protecting such sites; and the exclusion of Nagorno Karabakh from the OSCE Minsk Group peace process. To see the full letter visit http://www.anca.org/assets/pdf/misc/Reid_Bryzaletter.pdf

10/09: Majority Leader Reid wrote a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urging her to meet with Armenian Americans and expressing the Armenian American community's concerns over the Turkey-Armenia protocols and possible creation of a historical commission to "study" whether there was a genocide. To see the full letter visit http://www.anca.org/press_releases/press_releases.php?prid=1770

04/24/09 - Floor statement on the Armenian Genocide - Mr. President, today I rise in honor of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, as we mark the 94th anniversary of this horrific tragedy.

On April 24, 1915, the Ottoman Empire began a campaign of forced deportation against the Armenians. Around 2 million Armenian men, women, and children were driven from their homeland, 1.5 million of whom were killed. Hundreds of thousands were massacred outright, while others perished from forced marches, deliberate starvation, and epidemics that ravaged through concentration camps. Yet despite an outcry of condemnation by Great Britain, France, Russia, and the United States, no action was taken against the Ottoman Empire, as the first genocide of the 20th century continued.

Today, the thriving, vibrant Armenian community in the United States is a testament to their endurance and strength. Yet we can never forget the loss and sacrifice of previous generations. Earlier this week, we also paid tribute to those killed in the Holocaust, and together, these anniversaries mark this week as a solemn reminder of what can occur when prejudice and hatred go unchecked. Just as we cherish the memories and stories of the Armenians persecuted by the Ottoman Empire and their survivors, so must we also honor them by recommitting ourselves to combat intolerance in all its forms.

In my own home State of Nevada, I am proud to represent thousands of Armenian-Americans, many of whom gathered to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide this past weekend in Las Vegas. I congratulate the Armenian American Cultural Society of Las Vegas for yet again organizing such a successful and meaningful event. T his is a wonderful opportunity for the Armenian-American community and their supporters to come together in our State, which I am pleased is one of at least 40 other States who have recognized the Armenian Genocide.

I extend my best wishes to the Nevadan Armenian-American community back home and thank them for their many contributions to our great State.

3/3/2009 - Janice O'Connell of the Gephardt Group Government Affairs, LLC emailed Sally Walsh (Director) regarding a visit of Turkish delegation to Senate.

3/4/2009 - Janice O'Connell of the Gephardt Group Government Affairs, LLC emailed Sally Walsh (Director) regarding protocol and security related to visit of Turkish delegation.

11/4/2009 - Janice O'Connell of the Gephardt Group Government Affairs, LLC phoned Sally Walsh (Senior professional staff) regarding patriarchate luncheon.

11/10/2009 - Janice O'Connell of the Gephardt Group Government Affairs, LLC emailed Jessica Lewis (professional staff) regarding request for meeting to discuss US/Turkey relations.

3/23/2010 - Janice O'Connell of the Gephardt Group Government Affairs, LLC emailed Jessica Lewis (Professional Staff) requesting a meeting with the staffer.

3/24/2010 - Janice O'Connell of the Gephardt Group Government Affairs, LLC met with Jessica Lewis (Professional Staff) regarding US-Turkish relations.

5/6/2010 - Janice O'Connell of the Gephardt Group Government Affairs, LLC emailed Jessica Lewis (Professional Staff) requesting a meeting for the Embassy.

11/13/2009 - Janice O'Connell of the Gephardt Group Government Affairs, LLC emailed Jessica Lewis (professional staff) regarding follow-up to discussions of US/Turkey relations.

11/13/2009 - Janice O'Connell of the Gephardt Group Government Affairs, LLC met with Jessica Lewis (professional staff) regarding US-Turkish relations.

11/16/2009 - Janice O'Connell of the Gephardt Group Government Affairs, LLC emailed Jessica Lewis (professional staff) regarding visit of PM.

11/16/2009 - Janice O'Connell of the Gephardt Group Government Affairs, LLC phoned Jessica Lewis (professional staff) regarding US Turkish relations.