The Armenian National Committee of New Jersey (ANC-NJ) met with Congressman Albio Sires at his district office to discuss priority ANCA issues including U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide, foreign aid to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, and Azerbaijan’s aggression towards Karabakh.

The meeting included ANC of NJ co-chair James Sahagian, ANCA Eastern Region Board Member, Ani Tchaglasian, ANC of NJ member Karine Shnorhokian, and ANCA Eastern Region Director, Garo Manjikian, Asbarez Armenian News reported.

“Congressman Sires not only delivered a crucial vote for us earlier this year in House Foreign Affairs Committee, more importantly he took a strong stand for human rights against Turkey’s attempt to silence our elected officials” said Sahagian. “We look forward to working with the Congressman on this issue and many others.”

Among the topics discussed included Turkey’s ongoing history of aggression towards its minorities and neighbors specifically the looting of sacred Greek sites in occupied Cyprus, limited human rights in Turkey, and current illegal blockade of Armenia.

Congressman Sires voted to pass Armenian Genocide Resolution in both the 110th and 111th Congressional sessions in the House Foreign Affairs Committee. During the 2007 vote, in response to Turkey’s threats at the time, Sires said, “I feel like I have a Turkish sword over my head.”