Los Angeles, CA – Since the launching of the Armenian National Committee of America’s Genocide Prevention Postcard Campaign, thousands of people have signed the postcards addressed to Congressional leadership offices, calling for a vote on two bills (H.Res. 193 and S.Res. 164) that site the Armenian Genocide as a crime against humanity. On Monday, March 21, 2004, California’s Attorney General, Bill Lockyer, announced his support for the campaign by signing the postcards and sending them to Congressional Leaders. In a statement issued by his office, the Attorney General commended the Armenian National Committee for its commitment to this issue.

“Our world’s history is sadly filled with many efforts to destroy entire populations due to an inexplicable and unjustifiable hatred for our fellow human beings,” stated Attorney General Bill Lockyer. “I commend the ANC for its commitment to raising public awareness about the atrocity of genocide, and also to increase tolerance and understanding across cultures,” he added.

As the state’s Chief Legal Officer, the support of the Attorney General reinforces the legal importance of describing the massacres of the Armenians in Turkey as a genocide. While in the State Legislature, then-Senator Lockyer supported legislation acknowledging the Armenian Genocide and has been a staunch supporter of reaffirmation of the historical facts ever since. Attorney General Lockyer also filed amicus briefs in three cases defending the ability of victims of the Holocaust and Armenian Genocide to file insurance company claims under the state Holocaust Victim Insurance Relief Act.

“As a man of principle, Attorney General Lockyer understands that genocide is genocide and should be recognized as such,” stated Ardashes Kassakhian, Executive Director of the ANCA-WR. “His support and expertise in the legal field are welcomed in our efforts to secure passage of House Resolution 193 and Senate Resolution 164.”

Individuals wishing to participate in the ANCA Genocide Prevention Postcard Campaign are encouraged to contact the ANCA-WR offices at (818) 500-1918 or visit www.anca.org.

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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