Ninth Circuit Court rules California law on Armenian Genocide-era claims constitutionalDecember 11, 2010 - 12:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) welcomed the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal’s decision in the Movsesian v. Versicherung case reversing an earlier ruling striking down as unconstitutional a California law allowing for the return of Armenian Genocide-era insurance claims. The Court reversed the August, 2009, ruling by a 2-1 margin. "We applaud the Ninth Circuit court for reaffirming the right of U.S. states to speak truthfully about the Armenian Genocide, and allowing the descendants of Genocide-era victims and survivors to pursue their rightful claims,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “We are particularly gratified that the Court found that the California statute was a valid exercise of the state's power, and that there clearly is not an established federal policy forbidding state references to the Armenian Genocide." "On behalf of all Armenian Americans and our friends in the genocide-prevention movement, we want to share our special thanks with those who skillfully led and actively supported this successful appeal," added Hamparian. The ANCA, along with the Armenian Bar Association, Zoryan Institute, and the International Association of Genocide Scholars, filed an Amici Curiae brief petitioning the court for a rehearing. They were ably represented by attorneys David Balabanian, David Salmons, and Erin Conroy from the Bingham McCutchen. Notably, last year, serving in his capacity as California Attorney General, Jerry Brown, now the Governor-Elect of California, submitted an Amicus Curiae brief on behalf of the people of California in support of plaintiffs' property claims emanating from the Armenian Genocide. Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) as well as EarthRights International and the Center for Constitutional Rights also filed their own separate Amicus Curiae briefs in support of a rehearing. "ERI congratulates the plaintiffs and applauds this result," EarthRights International Litigation Coordinator Rick Herz. "The Court correctly recognized that states' efforts to protect residents who suffered egregious human rights abuses does not inherently interfere with U.S. foreign policy." Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. CSTO: Armenia has not participated in secretariat’s work recently Recently Armenia has not participated in the work of the secretariat of the CSTO, Imangali Tasmagambetov said. Meeting with U.S., EU not against third parties, says Armenia The meeting scheduled for April 5 is dedicated to strengthening of the Armenia-EU-US cooperation, Yerevan added. Ucom launches network modernization efforts in few regions of Armenia In particular, on March 28, the legacy Mobile Switching Subsystem will be replaced with a new one. |