WASHINGTON, DC – Outgoing Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairman, Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL), today announced that Congressman Ed Royce of California will assume his former position as Republican Co-Chairman of this bipartisan group of over one hundred and forty U.S. legislators, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

Congressman Royce, welcomed his new leadership role, noting: “It is with great pleasure that I take on the role as Co-Chairman of the Armenian Caucus for the 112th Congress.” The California legislator, long a champion of Armenian issues, added: “Over the years, Armenia has developed as a security and trade partner in a region too often hostile to the national interests of both our countries.”

Senator Kirk, who last year left the House of Representatives after winning the Senate seat vacated by President Obama, stated: “I am pleased to share the news that Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA), after long years of leadership on issues of concern to Armenian American community, has assumed my former role as the Republican Co-Chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.”

The Illinois Senator added, “I know that Congressman Royce’s dedicated service on the House Committee of Foreign Affairs and as a member of the Armenian Caucus will serve as a solid foundation for his continued leadership in securing U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide, maintaining robust aid levels to Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh, seeking a fair and lasting peace for Nagorno Karabakh based on the principles of democracy and self-determination, and expanding the U.S.-Armenia political, economic, and military partnership.” Commenting on his own service to the Caucus, he continued: “I am very proud of my tenure as the Republican Co-Chairman of the Armenian Caucus, and look forward to continuing this important work in the U.S. Senate. In leaving this post, I am certain that Congressman Royce will bring new energy and ideas to this effort, and will, with vision and dedication, build upon all our past accomplishments in the months and years to come.”

Ken Hachikian, Chairman of the ANCA, which has supported the work of the Caucus since it was founded by Congressman Pallone more than 15 years ago, commented that: “We warmly welcome Congressman Ed Royce as the new Republican Co-Chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.”

“At this time of transition and renewal, we want to offer our special thanks to newly elected Senator Mark Kirk and our longstanding friend Congressman Frank Pallone – as well as former Co-Chairmen John Porter and Joe Knollenberg – for their leadership in building the Caucus into a solid bipartisan platform for cooperation among Representatives from across the country who share the civic and democratic aspiration of the Armenian American community,” added Hachikian. “We are grateful to these founders and builders of the Armenian Caucus and look forward to working with the next generation of its leadership in addressing the new challenges our community and cause will face in months and years ahead.”