WASHINGTON, DC – With more than a majority of the full U.S. House of Representatives already agreeing to cosponsor the Armenian Genocide Resolution, H.Res.106, Armenian Americans from across the United States are set to take part in a second National Call-in Day to press for a Congressional vote on this human rights legislation, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

“Building on the success of our first national call in day in helping us top the 218 mark, this second round of nation-wide grassroots activism aims to have this anti-genocide measure brought to the House floor for a vote at the first opportunity,” said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA.

Currently, the Armenian Genocide Resolution, H.Res.106, has over 220 cosponsors, more than 50% of the membership of the U.S. House. Supporters of the Resolution who are interested in participating in the Call-in campaign can learn more by visiting the ANCA website:
www.anca.org.

Based on the caller’s ZIP Code, the website will provide their Representative’s phone number and whether they are already a cosponsor of the Armenian Genocide Resolution. If they are already a supporter, the caller will be asked to express appreciation and urge him/her to encourage their House colleague to also cosponsor this legislation. If they are not a cosponsor, the caller will ask him/her to please cosponsor this human rights measure.

Quick: The entire call will usually take less than three minutes; 180 seconds from start to finish.

Convenient: Calls can be made from home, at work, on vacation, while shopping, or from the road.

Hassle-Free: Congressional offices handle hundreds of constituent calls every week and are very polite and professional in welcoming your feedback.

In most cases (over 80% of the time), a caller will only have the opportunity to speak to a receptionist, who will take down a brief message. In some instances (about 15% of the time), the receptionist will transfer the caller to the voicemail box of a legislative aide. On rare occasion (less than 5% of the time), the caller will be transferred directly to the assistant handling foreign affairs.

Among the facts and arguments that callers are encouraged to consider presenting are the following:

Legislative Facts:

* H.Res.106 has over 220 cosponsors, over 50% of the entire U.S. House.

* An identical resolution in the last session of Congress was overwhelmingly adopted in the International Relations Committee by a vote of 40 to 7.

* Forty U.S. states have recognized the Armenian Genocide.

Points to raise:

* H.Res.106 respects American values: As a matter of American morality, the U.S. government should recognize and condemn all genocides – past and present.

* H.Res.106 recognizes the truth: The U.S. should not allow Turkey to use threats and blackmail to block the commemoration of a crime against humanity.

* H.Res.106 honors U.S. history: By recognizing the Armenian Genocide, we honor, as a proud chapter in American history, the U.S. diplomatic protests and relief efforts for the survivors of the Genocide.

* H.Res.106 promotes regional stability: By coming to terms with the Armenian Genocide, Turkey can lower regional tensions and open the door to improved relations with Armenia.

* H.Res.106 helps prevent future genocides: Turkey’s denial of the Armenian Genocide sets a dangerous precedent that makes future genocides more likely.

* H.Res.106 protects Armenia: Armenia cannot be safe as long as Turkey remains an unrepentant perpetrator of genocide against the Armenian nation.

* H.Res.106 encourages democracy: Turkey’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide would represent a step toward its acceptance into the European family of nations.