Outgoing Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairman, Senator Mark Kirk, today announced that Congressman Ed Royce of California will assume his former position as Republican Co-Chairman of this bipartisan group of over one hundred and forty U.S. legislators, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

Congressman Royce, welcomed his new leadership role, noting: "It is with great pleasure that I take on the role as Co-Chairman of the Armenian Caucus for the 112th Congress."  The California legislator, long a champion of Armenian issues, added: "Over the years, Armenia has developed as a security and trade partner in a region too often hostile to the national interests of both our countries."

Senator Kirk, who last year left the House of Representatives after winning the Senate seat vacated by President Obama, stated: "I am pleased to share the news that Congressman Ed Royce, after long years of leadership on issues of concern to Armenian American community, has assumed my former role as the Republican Co-Chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues."