Charlotte, NC – Members from the Armenian National Committee of Charlotte welcomed today Congressman Mel Watt’s cosponsorship of the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H. Res. 106). Congressman Watt represents the 12th Congressional District of North Carolina, and is currently serving his 8th term.

“The Armenian community here in Charlotte is very grateful for Congressman Watt’s recent cosponsorship of H. Res. 106. We had an opportunity to meet with staff from the Congressman’s office to discuss the legislation, and applaud him for signing on to the legislation,” commented ANC of Charlotte Chairman Jack Hagopian. “The Armenian community in Charlotte is growing rapidly, and we will continue to build relationships with our members of Congress,” he added.

Hagopian, along with other Armenian activists including Dr. Sylvie Bastajian, a constituent in Watt’s district, have met with various Congressional districts that represent the Armenian American community. Bastajian also hosted an educational seminar to educate human rights activists about genocide recognition legislation, and how they can get involved. “I felt that we needed to be doing more. Several of my friends who are not Armenian realize that this is not an Armenian issue, but it is a human rights issue,” stated Dr. Bastajian.

Elected into Congress in 1992, Congressman Watt is active in the Congressional Black Caucus, where he served as Chair during the 109th Congress. He has taken an active role in working to end the genocide in Darfur, and currently serves on the House Judiciary and Financial Services Committee.

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) 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.

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#1 Congressman Mel Watt

#2 ANCA ER Director Karine Birazian, along with NC Activists Dr. Sylvie Bastajian, Pierre Arbajian, Jack Hagopian, Dr. David Boyajian and Community Liaison, Torre Jessup for Rep. Mel Watt