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Virginia US Senate Candidate Gillespie Voices Support for Armenian A

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  • Virginia US Senate Candidate Gillespie Voices Support for Armenian A

    Virginia US Senate Candidate Gillespie Voices Support for Armenian
    American Priorities

    By Contributor on November 1, 2014
    http://armenianweekly.com/2014/11/01/gillespie-voices-support/


    Pledges to visit Armenia as part of a Congressional Delegation during
    his first term in office


    WASHINGTON--The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) warmly
    welcomes Ed Gillespie's stands on issues of special concern to
    Armenian Americans. In an Oct. 30 letter, the Republican candidate
    for U.S. Senate from Virginia:

    --Affirms that "the Armenian Genocide of 1915 is an indisputable fact."

    --Supports Congressman Ed Royce's efforts to ensure that Turkey returns
    confiscated Christian churches.

    --Commits to promote U.S.-Armenia economic ties through trade
    agreements and a new tax treaty.

    --Pledges to visit Armenia as part of a Congressional Delegation during
    his first term in the Senate.

    Former RNC Chairman and current Republican candidate for U.S. Senate
    Ed Gillespie offers his insights on Armenian American issues during a
    meeting with ANCA Exec. Director Aram Hamparian and Government Affairs
    Director Kate Nahapetian.

    "Knowing Ed Gillespie personally and having worked with him in the
    past, I warmly welcome the letter. It is a wonderful addition to have
    a supporter and strong ally on our side such as Ed. I look forward to
    our continued engagement and deepening collaboration on issues of
    Armenian American concern with him for the years to come," said
    Richmond community leader and ANCA-Virginia activist Melanie
    Kerneklian.

    "We appreciated our very thoughtful dialogue with Ed Gillespie during
    his visit to the ANCA, deeply value his stands on Armenian American
    issues, and look forward to widely sharing his view with concerned
    voters throughout the Commonwealth who care about Armenia," said ANCA
    Executive Director Aram Hamparian.

    Gillespie's opponent, incumbent Senator Mark Warner, supported
    Armenian issues as Governor, but, during his six-year tenure on
    Capitol Hill, has not taken any proactive steps on public policy
    issues of special concern to Americans of Armenian heritage.

    Gillespie has served as Chairman of the Republican National Committee
    and as Counsel to President George W. Bush.

    The full text of Gillespie's letter is provided below.

    ***

    Text of Mr. Gillespie's Letter to the ANCA:

    October 30, 2014

    Mr. Aram Hamparian
    Executive Director
    Armenian National Committee of America
    1711 N St NW
    Washington, DC 20036

    Dear Mr. Hamparian,

    It was a pleasure meeting with you and Ms. Kate Nahapetian on Monday
    October 27, 2014.

    I appreciate our discussion on Armenian issues and relations with the
    United States. I agree that the Armenian Genocide in 1915 is an
    indisputable fact and believe reconciliation of the horrific and sad
    event would do much to improve relations throughout the region. I am
    also concerned about infringements and confiscation of Armenian,
    Syriac and Greek Orthodox churches and artifacts by Turkey. As a
    Catholic whose faith is important to me, I would stand with
    Congressman Edward Royce in raising awareness and call for the return
    of properties to their rightful owners. Lastly, I am troubled about
    the ongoing Nagorno-Karabagh conflict and would be engaged on seeking
    a peaceful settlement and would encourage the U.S. Government to
    continue facilitating its conclusion.

    In addition to being involved on these important issues, I would
    promote opportunities to deepen U.S.-Armenian economic ties. I would
    work with the U.S. Government to promote trade agreements and the
    development of a new tax treaty between the U.S. and Armenia to end
    double taxation. In addition, I pledge during my first term to visit
    Armenia as part of a Congressional Delegation to see first-hand this
    growing and important partner in the region.

    Mr. Hamparian, thank you again for your time. I look forward to
    working with you and the Armenian National Committee.



    [Signed]

    Ed Gillespie for Senate
    8198 Terminal Rd, Suite 205
    Lorton, Virginia

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