ANCA joins broad based human rights coalitionApril 12, 2011 - 10:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) recently joined the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty and over 150 people representing a diverse group of over 30 interfaith and human rights groups in saluting the ongoing efforts of the Congressional International Religious Freedom Caucus, ANCA said in a press release. The attendees at the March 31stt Capitol Hill reception praised Caucus founders, Representatives Trent Franks (R-AZ) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), for keeping Congress informed about religious freedom issues and serving as a key networking hub between non-profit advocacy groups and policymakers through briefings on domestic and international religious freedom issues. Participants also welcomed the leadership of incoming Caucus Co-Chair Heather Shuler (D-NC), who will be taking over Rep. Cleaver's responsibilities in the 112th Congress. In addition to remarks by the Caucus Co-Chairs, the reception featured keynote speeches by Dr. Habib Malek, the son of Charles Malik, the author of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and Farzad Kamalabadi, who shared a moving account of the continued imprisonment of his sister, Fariba Kamalabadi, and repression of the Baha'is in Iran. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | IDBank, Dalma team up for Caucasian Deer Reintroduction Program IDBank has joined Dalma Garden Mall’s Green Challenge to support the Caucasian red deer reintroduction project. Through Ucom’s support the 12th Sunchild Festival concludes On May 24-28, with the support of Ucom, the 12th international environmental festival Sunchild took place in Yerevan. U.S., Turkey emphasize importance of Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal Jake Sullivan and Akif Cagatay Kilic have discussed the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armenia coach expects good football in Slovenia friendly The Armenian national team has left for Ljubljana a friendly match against Slovenia on June 4. |