09/06/12 - Statement on the release and pardon of Ramil Safarov - ?Like many in Rhode Island?s Armenian community, I was appalled to learn that Ramil Safarov received a full pardon, compensation, and a hero?s welcome from Illham H. Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan. Mr. Safarov was convicted of carrying out a brutal, premeditated crime for which he did not express a hint of remorse. And while Mr. Safarov is being celebrated in Azerbaijan today, there is no justice for his victim, Gurgen Markarian, or the friends and loved ones he left behind.?

?Over the years, serious questions have been raised about whether the Azerbaijani government is truly committed to developing a peaceful, nonviolent relationship with the people of Armenia. Its reckless actions this week do nothing to address these concerns.?

05/17/12 - Remarks offered on the House floor on NKR - Madam Speaker, I rise today to join the people of Nagorno-Karabakh in recognizing the 20th anniversary of the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh and of the formation of the Republic's army.

Twenty years ago, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh fought and died for their independence from Soviet Azeri repression and discrimination. From the earliest days of its formation, the Republic's freely elected governmental bodies have built an open democratic society through free and transparent elections. Over the next few days, families of Armenian descent throughout my home State of Rhode Island will honor the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Republic's army and the liberation of Shushi.

Today, the Rhode Island General Assembly will be joined by Mr. Robert Avetisyan, the Permanent Representative of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic to the United States, as they adopt a resolution supporting the Republic's efforts to develop as a free and independent Nation--a fact that many Rhode Islanders take great pride in.

04/26/12 - Statement submitted for the Congressional Record - Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the 1.5 million Armenians, men, women, and children, who were massacred under the Ottoman Empire at the beginning of the 20th century.

Each year, Armenians throughout the world mark April 24 as Genocide Remembrance Day by honoring those who perished from 1915 to 1923, and I join my friends and colleagues in remembering the victims today.

It's important to raise awareness about the Armenian genocide not only because it is an undeniable chapter in world history, but also because learning more about this horrific tragedy underscores the importance of eliminating intolerance and bigotry wherever it occurs.

I have enormous respect and admiration for the strength, resilience, and perseverance of the Armenian-American community. Over the decades since this massacre in their homeland occurred they built lives, homes, and businesses, and raised families in Rhode Island and across the country.

As the Congressman from Rhode Island's First Congressional District, I have the honor of representing many Armenian-Americans who grew up hearing family stories about the atrocities firsthand, as many are children and grandchildren of genocide survivors. Armenian-Americans living in my home state of Rhode Island have made significant contributions through their leadership in business, law, academia, government, and the arts.

As a cosponsor of the Affirmation of the United States Record on the Armenian Genocide Resolution, House Resolution 304, I strongly believe that the time has come for the United States government to recognize this atrocity for what it was-genocide.

I join my colleagues today in remembering and honoring the victims of the Armenian genocide.

04/25/12 - Statement delivered on the House floor ? Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the 1.5 million Armenian men, women, and children who were massacred under the Ottoman Empire at the beginning of the 20th century.

Each year, Armenians throughout the world mark April 24 as Genocide Remembrance Day by honoring those who perished from 1915 to 1923, and I join my friends and colleagues in remembering the victims today.

It's important to raise awareness about the Armenian genocide not only because it is an undeniable chapter in world history, but also because learning more about this horrific tragedy underscores the importance of eliminating intolerance and bigotry wherever it occurs.

Armenian Americans living in my home State of Rhode Island have made significant contributions through their leadership in business, law, academia, government, and the arts.

As a cosponsor of House Resolution 304, I strongly believe that the time has come for the United States Government to recognize this atrocity for what it was -- genocide. I join my colleagues today in recognizing the victims of the Armenian genocide.

02-03-11 - Michael Messmer from Gephardt Group Government Affairs LLP e-mailed Jessica Lemos from Representative Cicilline's office on behalf of the government of Turkey regarding follow-ups to 1/28 e-mail re: Meeting request to discuss US - Turkey relations & regional developments

02-07-11 - Michael Messmer from Gephardt Group Government Affairs LLP met with Jessica Lemos from Representative Cicilline's office on behalf of the government of Turkey regarding meeting w/Can Oguz (Turkish Embassy) to discuss US - Turkey relations & regional developments

02-08-11 - Michael Messmer from Gephardt Group Government Affairs LLP e-mailed Jessica Lemos from Representative Cicilline's office on behalf of the government of Turkey regarding thank you message for 2/7 meeting

02-15-11 - Patton Boggs LLP met with Jessica Lemos from Representative Cicilline's office on behalf of the government of Azerbaijan regarding U.S.-Azerbaijan bilateral relations

03-23-11 - Michael Messmer from Gephardt Group Government Affairs LLP e-mailed Alisa Sarkisian & Jessica Lemos from Representative Cicilline's office on behalf of the government of Turkey regarding request for Ambassador Ertan Tezgor, Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to meet with member on Holocaust issues

11-29-11 - Azerbaijan America Alliance Corporation contacted Jessica Lemos from Representative Cicilline's office on behalf of the government of Azerbaijan regarding Introduction to the Azerbaijan America Alliance

07-16-12 - Michael Messmer from Gephardt Group e-mailed Jessica Lemos from Representative Cicilline's office on behalf of the government of Turkey regarding Request to meet re: H. Res. 676