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The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) welcomed Illinois Congressman Robert Dold (R-IL) as the new Republican Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues. Rep. Dold joins his counterpart and Caucus founder Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) in leading bi-partisan efforts to advance Armenian American policy priorities and strengthen US – Armenia ties, Asbarez reports.

“We warmly welcome Congressman Dold as the new Republican Co-Chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues,” said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian, who also resides in Representatives Dold’s Illinois 10th Congressional District. “Rep. Dold’s strong track record on Armenian American issues – from his leadership on the Armenian Genocide Resolution to his outspoken support of Karabakh’s self-determination – makes him a powerful addition to the Armenian Caucus leadership team. We are grateful to the founders and builders of the Armenian Caucus and look forward to working with its expanded leadership in addressing the new challenges our community and cause will face in the months and years to come.”

In a statement, co-Chair Frank Pallone stated, “I am pleased to welcome Congressman Dold as Co-Chair of the Armenian Caucus for the 114th Congress. He has been an outspoken leader on Congressional Recognition of the Armenian genocide, and has consistently fought to advance the U.S. relationship with both Armenia and the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. I look forward to working with him to achieve our goals and observe one hundred years since the Armenian Genocide,” said Congressman Pallone.

Rep. Dold accepted the appointment with gratitude, stating, “It is an honor to Co-Chair the Congressional Armenian Caucus with Congressman Pallone. I am eager to strengthen the U.S.- Armenian relationship and work with my colleagues in Congress to promote human rights, shine a spotlight on genocide denial, and highlight the added importance of passing the Armenian Genocide Resolution on this centennial anniversary.”

Rep. Dold, who returned to Congress this year after a two-year hiatus, received an “A+” rating from the ANCA in 2012 for his consistent support and leadership on issues of concern to the Armenian American community. In 2011, he joined long-time Armenian Genocide Resolution lead sponsor Adam Schiff (D-CA) in spearheading this key human rights legislation (H.Res.304). He spoke out against Secretary Hillary Clinton’s misrepresentation of the Armenian Genocide as a matter for “historical debate,” joining with over 60 of his colleagues in co-signing a letter of protest regarding her statements at a State Department Town Hall meeting. He was also an early supporter of a measure calling on Turkey to return stolen Christian properties to their rightful owners (H.Res.306), which was adopted by the House of Representatives in December of 2011.

The Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues was founded by Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and former Congressman John Porter (R-IL) in 1995. Since that time, the bi-partisan panel has been at the forefront of Congressional action on a broad range of Armenian American concerns – from justice for the Armenian Genocide, to self-determination for Nagorno Karabakh, stronger U.S.-Armenia ties, and support for the Armenian communities in the Republic of Georgia and oppressed Armenian and other Christian communities around the world.

The ANCA is launching an on-line campaign to expand Congressional Armenian Caucus Membership, urging Armenian-Americans to call on their House legislators to join and thank those who have already shown their leadership in this bi-partisan panel. To take action, visit http://www.anca.org/joinCaucus.