Rep. Clark Continues Partnership with Armenian Communities

By Alisa Sarkisian

In December 2013, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s Fifth Congressional District, which is home to one of the largest Armenian communities in the United States, elected Congresswoman Katherine Clark to be Ed Markey’s successor as their Representative to the United States House of Representatives. Now, she is once again running for the seat on the Democratic primary ballot on Sept. 9, against Dr. Sheldon Schwartz, a retired doctor from Lexington.

In her first eight months in Congress, Congresswoman Clark has acted on a broad array of efforts to support and partner with the Armenian community. Clark’s relentless advocacy in Congress for families in her home district has made her a critical partner to the diverse communities of the Fifth District.

One of Clark’s first official acts in Congress was joining the Congressional Armenian Caucus to help to raise awareness of issues facing both Armenian Americans and Armenians across the globe. Soon after joining the Caucus, Clark co-sponsored and advocated for the “Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution,” a federal proposal that calls on President Barack Obama “to work toward equitable, constructive, and durable Armenian-Turkish relations based upon the Republic of Turkey’s full acknowledgement of the facts and ongoing consequences of the Armenian Genocide.” The resolution Clark supports also calls for “a fair, just, and comprehensive international resolution of this crime against humanity.”

“The atrocities of the Armenian Genocide are deep, personal wounds, profoundly impacted by how our community and our country recognizes history,” says Clark. “I’m honored to work with the Armenian community on many issues of social justice, including recognition of the Armenian Genocide.”

In February 2014, on the 26th commemoration of the anti-Armenian violence in Sumgait, Azerbaijan, Clark entered the following statement into the Congressional record: “Over decades, many displaced Armenian families have sought refuge in America, and are now making vital contributions in the Fifth District of Massachusetts. Like the persecution of too many other people before it, the lessons of Sumgait must never be forgotten. As diverse families of the Commonwealth, and as Americans, we have a moral obligation to promote tolerance and justice, and we have a duty to recognize the atrocities that have kept us from our common goal.”

As Congress continues to debate its spending priorities, Clark has pushed for international humanitarian and economic aid to Armenians. She requested for at least $5 million in humanitarian and development program aid to Nagorno-Karabagh, and advocates that it is largely a self-governing territory. She also requested a suspension of all military aid to Azerbaijan until its government ceases cross-border attacks, ends its threat of renewed war, and agrees to regional conflict settlement through peaceful means.

Clark recently voiced her concern about Azeri aggression, stating that she was “deeply concerned by the recent military aggression by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabagh, including reports of sniper fire against a Red Cross envoy and Armenian civilians.” She added, “This campaign of violence violates a long-standing ceasefire and will only lead to additional loss of life. The Armenian people of Nagorno-Karabagh have succeeded in creating a vibrant democratic society against long odds, and I stand with them in condemnation of Azerbaijan’s aggression.”

Clark additionally advocated for no less than $40 million in the coming fiscal year for economic aid to Armenia. The aid is intended to include economic support, narcotics control, law enforcement, and global health programs.

Clark’s vision of partnerships between diverse communities is an important and unique one. Her optimism for a better future and her drive to help her community puts her in a position to be a great advocate for Armenian families in Massachusetts.

Speaking to her commitment to her ongoing partnership with the Armenian community, Clark wrote in a Congressional declaration, “Proudly, our diverse district is home to one of the largest Armenian communities in the nation. Together, our community is a thriving example of strength and perseverance.”