WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) today welcomed Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Ed Royce’s (R-CA) announcement of Illinois Congressman Robert Dold (R-IL) as a new Republican Vice-Chair of this bipartisan group of pro-Armenian legislators.

“We warmly welcome Congressman Dold as the new Republican Vice-Chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues,” said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian, who also resides in Representatives Dold’s Illinois 10th Congressional District. “Rep. Dold’s strong track record on Armenian American issues – from his leadership on the Armenian Genocide Resolution to his outspoken support of Karabakh’s self-determination – makes him an important addition to the Armenian Caucus leadership team. We are grateful to the founders and builders of the Armenian Caucus and look forward to working with its expanded leadership in addressing the new challenges our community and cause will face in the months and years to come.”

In a statement issued earlier today, Rep. Royce noted, “I’m honored to have Rep. Dold serve as the Vice-Chair of the Caucus. He has been a leader on Armenia policy. We are always working hard in the Caucus, trying to move the U.S.- Armenia relationship forward, and the added leadership that Robert brings will be a big plus for the Caucus.”

Rep. Dold accepted the appointment with gratitude, stating, “It is an honor to accept the position of Vice-Chair for the Congressional Armenian Caucus. I look forward to further strengthening the political, economic and cultural bonds between the United States and the Republic of Armenia.”

Rep. Dold, who is completing his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives, has received an “A+” rating from the ANCA for his consistent support and leadership on issues of concern to the Armenian American community. He joined long-time Armenian Genocide Resolution lead sponsor Adam Schiff (D-CA) in spearheading this key human rights legislation (H.Res.304) in the 112th Congress. He spoke out against Secretary Hillary Clinton’s misrepresentation of the Armenian Genocide as a matter for “historical debate,” joining with over 60 of his colleagues in co-signing a letter of protest regarding her statements at a State Department Town Hall meeting. He was also an early supporter of a measure calling on Turkey to return stolen Christian properties to their rightful owners (H.Res.306), which was adopted by the House of Representatives in December of 2011.

In a statement offered in memory of the victims of the Azerbaijani pogroms against Armenians in Sumgait, Baku and Kirovabad, Rep. Dold noted “I stand with the Armenian community around the world to remember all those who were taken from their homes and from their families – simply because of their ethnic background. As we remember those who lost their lives in Sumgait, we must continue to guard against all discrimination, oppression, and targeted violence against ethnic groups around the world.”

The Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues was founded by Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and former Congressman John Porter (R-IL) in 1995.