Las Vegas, NV – The State of Nevada’s largest Armenian American public affairs organization issued a statement today praising Senator John Ensign (R-NV). The Senator was commended for his outstanding tenure in the U.S. Senate and his advocacy on behalf of the growing Armenian American community in Nevada.

“John Ensign is our community’s best friend,” commented ANC of Nevada Chairman Hriyr Dadaian. “The Senator’s leadership on human rights issues is deeply appreciated by Armenian Americans in Nevada. Since he was elected to the U.S. Senate in November of 2000, Senator Ensign has been a true supporter of the issues so important to Armenian American voters here in Nevada, like recognition of the Armenian Genocide and building stronger economic ties between the United States and Armenia,” Dadaian added.

In June of 2003 Senator Ensign drafted and introduced S.Res.164, a Genocide Resolution that marks the 15th anniversary of the U.S. implementation of the Genocide Convention. The bill reaffirms the commitment of the American people to this landmark treaty and specifically cites the importance of applying the lessons of past genocides, like the Armenian Genocide, in order to make the world safe from future genocides. Support for the Genocide Resolution has been widespread outside of Congress as well, with a diverse coalition of over 100 ethnic, religious, civil and human rights organizations calling for its passage, including American Values, National Organization of Women, Sons of Italy, NAACP, Union of Orthodox Rabbis, and the National Council of La Raza.

Since his election to the U.S. Senate on November 7th of 2003, Senator Ensign has passionately served the people of Nevada. Before being elected to the Senate, Ensign was a veterinarian, small business owner and distinguished member of the U.S. House of Representatives.