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US-Armenia Public Affairs Committee (USAPAC) Launches Operations

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  • US-Armenia Public Affairs Committee (USAPAC) Launches Operations

    PRESS RELEASE:

    U.S.-Armenia Public Affairs Committee (USAPAC) Launches Operations
    New National Armenian-American Advocacy Organization
    Opens Headquarters in Washington, DC

    December 8, 2006

    U.S.-Armenia Public Affairs Committee (USAPAC)
    1518 K Street, NW, Suite M
    Washington, DC 20005
    Contact: Ross Vartian
    Telephone: 202-230-8125

    Washington, DC - A group of Armenian-American activists have established the
    U.S. - Armenia Public Affairs Committee (USAPAC) and three associated
    entities, which, together, are the platform for a new Armenian-American
    advocacy organization dedicated to promoting and defending
    Armenian-American interests.

    In view of the many challenges faced by the Republics of Armenia and Nagorno
    Karabakh and the leading role played by the United States in international
    affairs, USAPAC founders are convinced of the need for robust and growing
    Armenian-American activism in support of the homeland. By linking with
    like-minded colleagues nationwide, USAPAC will develop into a powerful and
    effective addition to the Armenian-American lobby.

    USAPAC's affiliated entities will include the Council on U.S.-Armenia
    Relations, a tax-exempt educational and advocacy charity, the U.S.-Armenia
    Political Action Committee, an electioneering entity, and the Committee on
    U.S.-Armenia Issues, a voter education group. The four entities will
    function as a powerful matrix serving to expand the breadth and reach of
    Armenian-Americans' political influence, while taking full advantage of all
    advocacy and electioneering laws and regulations.

    In a message to national Armenian-American originations, USAPAC stated, `As
    we explored new ways to respond to the forces arrayed against
    Armenian-American concerns and objectives, we looked to one of the most
    effective groups in the U.S. that also faces comparable forces in opposition
    to its agenda - the Jewish Lobby. This community's advocacy preeminence can
    be attributed in significant measure to its diversity and sheer numbers of
    national, regional and local advocacy organizations that can be relied upon
    time after time to act with remarkable coordination. Our community has
    every reason to emulate this method of strength in numbers and unity of
    purpose.'

    USAPAC has appointed long time community activist Ross Vartian as its
    Executive Director, and has engaged Rob Mosher as its Director of Government
    Affairs. USAPAC has established its headquarters in Washington DC.

    `There are great opportunities for the Armenian-American community to expand
    its advocacy activities. USAPAC will place strong emphasis on educating the
    community on issues and political candidates, as well as political
    fundraising and grassroots activism,' said Ross Vartian. `We want to help
    the Armenian-American community further elevate its political profile.
    Over time, USAPAC will enhance the scope of activities and contribute to
    advancing the community's agenda' he concluded.

    Rob Mosher stated, `We look forward to working in cooperation with the two
    primary Armenian-American advocacy organizations with Washington presence,
    the Armenia Assembly of America (AAA) and the Armenian National Committee of
    America (ANCA), as well as other Armenian-American organizations and
    individuals committed to Armenian civic causes.'

    USAPAC received its initial funding through a grant from Gerard L. Cafesjian
    and the Cafesjian Family Foundation. `This is a truly momentous event in
    the history of Armenian advocacy in the United States and I want to express
    USAPAC's appreciation to the Cafesjian Family Foundation and to Gerry
    Cafesjian personally for their vision and determination. Gerry and his
    Foundation have worked to advance and assist unique charitable, economic and
    civic action causes both in Armenia and the United States for over a decade,
    and have been active participants in and supporters of Armenian-American
    advocacy efforts. We are most grateful for their support of USAPAC' said
    Vartian.

    The U.S.-Armenia Public Affairs Committee is a 501(c)(4) tax-exempt and
    not-for-profit organization established to advance Armenian-American
    interests.
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