Washington, DC,March 10, 2011 - Today, Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY) raised the issue of the Armenian Genocide during the first oversight hearing held by the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe and Eurasia entitled "Overview of U.S. Policy toward Europe and Eurasia," reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly). Congressman Engel cited the "hostile" nature of Turkey's relationship with Israel and highlighted numerous double standards by Turkey, including its demand for an apology from Israel, when we "can't get Turkey to apologize for the Armenian Genocide." "We commend Congressman Engel for his steadfast support for U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide," stated Assembly Board Member Annie Totah. "Congressman Engel continues to speak out for truth and justice, and we look forward to working with him and his colleagues to ensure that the Armenian Genocide is never forgotten," added Totah. The Congressman's remarks were made during the question and answer session with Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Philip H. Gordon. In his written remarks, Gordon stated the following with respect to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh: "In the Caucasus, we will continue with the Europeans to encourage normalization between Turkey and Armenia, and increase our engagement through the Minsk Group to help Armenia and Azerbaijan find a peaceful settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We believe that the United States and Europe must work together to avoid further conflict in Europe and help the countries in the region move towards a democratic future that includes peace and greater prosperity." 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(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

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