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REP. MCGOVERN URGES US PROTECTION FOR SYRIA'S ARMENIAN COMMUNITY
http://www.mirrorspectator.com/2012/11/21/rep-mcgovern-urges-us-protection-for-syrias-armenian-community/
NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2012 10:20 AM
WASHINGTON-Representative James McGovern (D-MA) has called on
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to ensure that the United States
acts with "increased vigilance in demanding that all parties in Syria
protect minority populations, including Armenians and other Christian
communities that have been caught in the cross-fire between opposing
forces," reported the Armenian National Committee of America.
"We very much appreciate Congressman McGovern's leadership and
constructive engagement with the Department of State in ensuring that
American aid reaches all those in need in Syria, including Armenians,
other Christians, and all victims of violence and depravation in and
around the Aleppo region," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of
the ANCA. "We share his concern for the welfare of the innocent victims
of this conflict, and join with him in calling upon the Administration
to apply the full force of American diplomacy in impressing upon all
parties in Syria that they must protect minorities and all at-risk
populations."
In a letter sent earlier today to Secretary Clinton, Representative
McGovern, who serves as Co-Chairman of the Tom Lantos Congressional
Human Rights Caucus, voiced his strong support for U.S. humanitarian
efforts, including an ANCA-backed provision in the House Appropriations
Committee's version of the FY13 State-Foreign Operations Bill calling
on the State Department to prioritize humanitarian and resettlement
assistance for minority communities, including Armenians and other
Christian populations in Syria. Among the specific priorities
Congressman McGovern raised in his letter were:
Ensuring that U.S. assistance reaches all at-risk populations,
including Armenians, Christians, and others in and around the Aleppo
area.
Encouraging the U.S. government to facilitate the timely delivery
of aid to Syria provided by Armenian Americans and other Armenians
world-wide.
Exploring with the Republic of Armenia assistance that can be provided
to support and sustain the refugees who have fled Syria and sought
refuge in Armenia.
Congressman McGovern also highlighted for Secretary Clinton the fact
that "the Armenian community of Syria, particularly those in and around
the Aleppo region, includes a great many descendants of survivors of
the Armenian Genocide and the forced death marches through the Syrian
desert. These Armenians, along with other Christian and minority
populations, are, today, increasingly the victims of violence -
in the form of bombings, sniper attacks, murders, kidnapping, and
acts of destruction and desecration of holy sites. Only recently,
the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Memorial Church in Deir Zor, a site of
pilgrimage for Armenians worldwide, was severely damaged as a result
of shelling from unidentified assailants."
http://www.mirrorspectator.com/2012/11/21/rep-mcgovern-urges-us-protection-for-syrias-armenian-community/
NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2012 10:20 AM
WASHINGTON-Representative James McGovern (D-MA) has called on
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to ensure that the United States
acts with "increased vigilance in demanding that all parties in Syria
protect minority populations, including Armenians and other Christian
communities that have been caught in the cross-fire between opposing
forces," reported the Armenian National Committee of America.
"We very much appreciate Congressman McGovern's leadership and
constructive engagement with the Department of State in ensuring that
American aid reaches all those in need in Syria, including Armenians,
other Christians, and all victims of violence and depravation in and
around the Aleppo region," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of
the ANCA. "We share his concern for the welfare of the innocent victims
of this conflict, and join with him in calling upon the Administration
to apply the full force of American diplomacy in impressing upon all
parties in Syria that they must protect minorities and all at-risk
populations."
In a letter sent earlier today to Secretary Clinton, Representative
McGovern, who serves as Co-Chairman of the Tom Lantos Congressional
Human Rights Caucus, voiced his strong support for U.S. humanitarian
efforts, including an ANCA-backed provision in the House Appropriations
Committee's version of the FY13 State-Foreign Operations Bill calling
on the State Department to prioritize humanitarian and resettlement
assistance for minority communities, including Armenians and other
Christian populations in Syria. Among the specific priorities
Congressman McGovern raised in his letter were:
Ensuring that U.S. assistance reaches all at-risk populations,
including Armenians, Christians, and others in and around the Aleppo
area.
Encouraging the U.S. government to facilitate the timely delivery
of aid to Syria provided by Armenian Americans and other Armenians
world-wide.
Exploring with the Republic of Armenia assistance that can be provided
to support and sustain the refugees who have fled Syria and sought
refuge in Armenia.
Congressman McGovern also highlighted for Secretary Clinton the fact
that "the Armenian community of Syria, particularly those in and around
the Aleppo region, includes a great many descendants of survivors of
the Armenian Genocide and the forced death marches through the Syrian
desert. These Armenians, along with other Christian and minority
populations, are, today, increasingly the victims of violence -
in the form of bombings, sniper attacks, murders, kidnapping, and
acts of destruction and desecration of holy sites. Only recently,
the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Memorial Church in Deir Zor, a site of
pilgrimage for Armenians worldwide, was severely damaged as a result
of shelling from unidentified assailants."