WASHINGTON,
D.C. – As legislators were completing work for the 114th Congress, Armenian
Assembly of America (Assembly) Executive Director Bryan Ardouny was on the Hill
meeting with Members of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues this month
recapping the year and discussing priorities for the 115th Congress.
During his meeting with Armenian Caucus Co-Chair
Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Ardouny discussed initiatives for the
115th Congress. He also reiterated the Assembly’s deep concerns regarding the
atrocities Azerbaijan committed during the military offensive it launched
during the April War, as further reported by Nagorno Karabakh’s Ombudsman,
Ruben Melikyan.
According to the latest investigations, 3 out of the
31 incidences detailed in the report were citizens and not servicemen,
including a 92-year-old grandmother who was also tortured. The report also
identified 3 Nagorno Karabakh servicemen who were beheaded, noting that one was
executed by ISIS-style decapitation then publicized on social media as a
“trophy.” The Azerbaijani officer who showcased this Armenian
soldier’s head was then given a military award from Azerbaijan President Ilham
Aliyev.
In his meeting with Armenian Caucus Vice Co-Chair
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), who serves as the Ranking Member of the House
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, a wide range of issues were
discussed, including expanding the Caucus as well as strengthening U.S-Armenia
relations.
“As we look ahead to 2017, U.S. leadership
remains essential in addressing the challenges before us,” Ardouny stated.
“The Armenian Caucus, with its bipartisan leadership team, will play a
pivotal role and we anticipate a very active and energized Caucus as we
continue to advance important priorities in the new Congress and Administration,”
he added.
Established
in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501©(3) tax-exempt
membership organization.
Photo
Caption 1: Armenian Assembly Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny and Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr.
(D-NJ).
Photo
Caption 2: Armenian Assembly Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny and Armenian Caucus Vice Co-Chair Adam Schiff (D-CA).