TCA calls on Congress to dismiss radical ANCA Agenda

Ever since the Turkish and Armenian governments have taken courageous steps to address their long-standing disputes, radical elements in the Armenian Diaspora have started a full-blown campaign in opposition to the normalizing of relations between the two countries.

The efforts of organizations like the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) are a case in point.

Acting in lock-step with the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, an opposition party in Armenia, ANCA has started a "blitzkrieg" toward Congress, ahead of Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to the United States and his meeting with President Obama. The same groups also organized mass protests against the President of Armenia and have created an aura of intimidation against Turkish Americans and moderate Armenians. Their efforts undermine a process that has been supported by President Obama and his Administration.

Advocating normalized relations between Armenia and Turkey, which will enhance stability and security in the Southern Caucasus, is not a partisan issue. It is a national issue with far-reaching regional and global implications, from energy security, relations with Russia and Iran, to combating international terrorism. For these reasons, President Obama and his Administration, as well as previous US Administrations, worked toward the kind of diplomatic and political opening now underway between Turkey and Armenia.

The Turkish Coalition of America calls upon members of Congress to resist hate-mongering efforts of any group, including ANCA, and support diplomacy and reconciliation over conflict, serving the national interests of the United States.