September 4, 2008
LOS ANGELES--Armenians for Obama congratulated and welcomed the selection of Sen. Joseph Biden (D-DE) as Senator Barack Obama's Vice Presidential running mate for the 2008 Presidential election.
Sen. Biden has a proven track record on Armenian-American issues and compliments Senator Obama's strong commitment to officially recognizing the Armenian Genocide and a resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict based on the principles of self-determination and democracy. The two leaders will also be able to guide America's domestic and foreign policies by initiating the necessary reforms to institute change in this country.
"Armenians for Obama is extremely encouraged by Senator Obama's selection of Sen. Joe Biden as his running mate," said Areen Ibranossian, president of Armenians for Obama.
"To have two individuals with such strong track records on Armenian-American issues on the ticket is very positive and presents a unique opportunity for our community," added Ibranossian.
A veteran law maker, Sen. Biden has consistently supported issues of concern to the Armenian-American community and brings 35 years of experience in the U.S. Senate, extensive knowledge of foreign relations, and proven leadership on the full range of international challenges facing our nation.
Sen. Biden's support for Armenian American legislative initiatives, including U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide, dates back to his work with Senator Bob Dole to pass the Armenian Genocide Resolution (S.J.Res.212) in 1990, and advocate for stronger U.S.-Armenia relations.
As recently as last month, Sen. Biden, in his capacity as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, took the principled stance of urging the Bush Administration's nominee for the US Ambassador to Armenia to properly characterize the events of 1915 as Genocide.
"Recognition by the United States of the Armenian Genocide is not the final goal. The real goal is the recognition of Turkey--of the Turkish Government--of the Armenian Genocide and the establishment of a common Turkish-Armenian understanding of the events and tragedy that took place," commented Sen. Biden.
Armenians for Obama is a nationwide voter registration, education, and mobilization effort dedicated to electing Barack Obama President. Based in Los Angeles, and with chapters and affiliates in all 50 States, Armenians for Obama will harness the energy and enthusiasm for Barack Obama's candidacy to ensure record high Armenian American turnout in critical battleground states.