Colorado Armenians continue advocacy to secure US reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide

PanARMENIAN.Net - Last month, the Eastern Colorado News (ECN) touted the advocacy efforts of the Colorado Armenian American community in its continued efforts to raise awareness of the Armenian Genocide reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).



As part of the Assembly's nationwide effort to secure passage of H. Res. 252, the Armenian-American community has proactively reached out to its elected representatives in Congress to urge support for this important human rights legislation.



In Colorado, the ECN also highlighted the "quiet" lobbying against the Armenian Genocide resolution by five military contractors as reported by the Associated Press (AP). The AP article revealed that BAE Systems, Inc., Goodrich Corp., Northrop Grumman Corp., Raytheon Co., United Technologies Corp., and energy producer Chevron Corp. "spent $14 million to lobby Congress in the first quarter of this year," including against the genocide resolution.



The ECN article picks up where the AP story left off, and pointed out the contributions these companies make to Members of Congress, stating that Raytheon was one of the "highest contributors" to a Congressman in Colorado who supported the resolution last Congress, and has yet to cosponsor H.Res. 252 this Congress.



Congressman Adam Schiff, who has spearheaded H.Res. 252, along with his colleagues Congressmen George Radanovich, Frank Pallone, and Mark Kirk told the AP that businesses that lobby against the resolution are not being "good corporate citizens."



"In the face of continued denial of the Armenian Genocide, we commend the efforts of the community from around the country and especially appreciate the dedicated work of our State Chairs and network of activists," stated Grassroots Director Taniel Koushakjian. "Armenia-Turkey relations may have entered a new phase, but that does not mean U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide should be held hostage to this process. We strongly urge all Members of Congress to support this bipartisan bill and would welcome the support of the entire Colorado delegation," added Koushakjian.



H.Res. 252 is currently pending before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and mirrors the Senate version of the bill, of which Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid cosponsored last month.