In marking the inauguration of the 45th president of the United States, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) congratulated President Donald Trump and Vice-President Pence, urging the new President to bring “new ideas and energy to U.S. policy on Armenian issues, further strengthening the robust U.S.-Armenia relationship, and reinforcing the enduring bonds of friendship that have long connected our two peoples.”

In a statement issued on Friday,January 20, the ANCA outlined three key policy areas including:

-- Properly commemorating the Armenian Genocide as a clear case of genocide, challenging Turkey's obstruction of justice for this still unpunished crime, and, more broadly, rejecting Turkey's efforts to control U.S. policy on Armenian issues, and

-- Advancing a durable and democratic peace in the Caucasus by recognizing and supporting the independent Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh), and;

-- Growing the U.S.-Armenia economic, military, and political partnership and supporting a secure, prosperous, and democratic Armenia.

An ANCA grassroots write-in campaign was launched in conjunction with the statement – anca.org/Trump – calling on supporters of Armenia to share their views with the new President.

A similar effort was launched in 2008, with the election of then President Barack Obama.