Los Angeles, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region and the East San Fernando Valley ANC Chapter jointly issued a statement this week praising Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA-28) for sending a Dear Colleague letter on the Armenian Genocide to all members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Berman received an “A” in the ANCA Congressional Report Card for 2006.

The letter to House members included a reference to a recent statement issued by the respected International Association of Genocide Scholars that encouraged House member to cosponsor H.Res.106, the Armenian Genocide Resolution. In his Dear Colleague letter, Congressman Berman writes, “…it is now time for Turkey to accept the reality of the Armenian Genocide.”

“Our community commends Congressman Berman for his leadership role in educating Members of Congress on the Armenian Genocide,” commented ANCA-WR Executive Director Andrew Kzirian. “The fact that Congressman Berman joined with the International Association of Genocide Scholars in support of H.Res.106 is fresh proof of his longstanding commitment to this human rights issue so important to tens of thousands of his constituents in the 28th Congressional District,” Kzirian added.

The Armenian National Committee of America 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.

Photo Caption: Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA-28).