U.S. congressional delegation to visit Armenian Genocide MemorialApril 16, 2014 - 10:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Congressman Ed Royce will use the better part of Congress’ two-week recess to lead a small delegation of members to some of the most unstable regions of Ukraine, as well as to Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Orange County Register reported. The Fullerton Republican, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, says the group will meet with top government, business and civic officials to further examine issues related to Russia’s military buildup on Ukraine’s eastern border, global energy and Iran. Royce’s delegation will be the first to visit eastern Ukraine. Members will meet with all major presidential candidates and the nonprofits that will assist in the May 25 Ukraine elections. Another key focus will be efforts to diversify Ukraine’s energy supply. In Armenia, the delegation will participate in the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day Event. Royce long has championed the recognition of the genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire, believing its denial by Turkey impedes reconciliation between the two neighboring countries. “Armenia is a country struggling to build democracy and prosperity in a rough neighborhood. This was the first genocide of the past century and must be remembered. The U.S. has strong energy and regional security interests in Azerbaijan,” Royce told the OC Register in an email. The Armenian National Committee of America Executive Director Aram Hamparian welcomed Royce’s delegation trip to Armenia calling it “an excellent opportunity for Members of Congress to see, first hand, the prospects and challenges facing the landlocked and blockaded country and explore ways to build a stronger U.S. – Armenia relationship.” “Their visit on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day is a testament to the Chairman’s commitment to truth and a clarion call for justice for this crime,” Hamparian added, according to Asbarez. The delegation will also study regional security issues in Azerbaijan, a major energy producer that borders Iran. Photo: Getty Images The Armenian Genocide The Armenian Genocide (1915-23) was the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I. It was characterized by massacres and deportations, involving forced marches under conditions designed to lead to the death of the deportees, with the total number of deaths reaching 1.5 million. Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. |