Earlier this week, members of the Armenian Assembly's Southern California Regional Council (SCRC) and Board of Trustees met with Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA), the new Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).

During the meeting, Assembly Board of Trustees Member Lisa Kalustian thanked Congressman Royce for his steadfast support during his tenure in Congress. Kalustian, along with Assembly Board Member Peter Kezirian, SCRC Members Margaret Mgrublian and James Melikian, and the Assembly's Western Region Office Manager Aline Maksoudian reviewed key priorities, including funding for Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, ceasing military aid to Azerbaijan, and U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, among other issues.

"I was very impressed with Congressman Royce's depth of knowledge and keen interest regarding our issues," stated SCRC Member Margaret Mgrublian.

"It was heart-warming to learn of his deep commitment to human rights, stemming from his father's military service in Normandy during World War II, and the photographs he took after American soldiers liberated the concentration camp in Dachau, Germany," added Mgrublian. Congressman Royce reiterated his continued support for robust funding to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, expressed serious concerns regarding Azerbaijan's ongoing war rhetoric and indicated that he would continue to be a leading voice in Congress regarding U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide.

"We look forward to working with Congressman Royce in his capacity as Caucus Co-Chair and welcome his continued commitment and passion for human rights issues," stated Lisa Kalustian.

In addition, Congressman Royce also accepted the Assembly invitation to conduct a community briefing during the August Congressional recess. The Assembly will work closely with his office to coordinate schedules and the venue.