Armenian land should be free of Azerbaijan military forces - U.S.  Congressman 

ArmInfo.The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has endorsed State Representative Craig Haggard in his race for Indiana's 4th  Congressional District. A Republican representing Indiana's 57th  State House District, Haggard has engaged with the Armenian American  community, meeting with community leaders to better understand and  advocate for their priorities.

"Rep. Haggard will join the growing number of Republican lawmakers in  Washington calling for a just and lasting peace between Armenia and  Azerbaijan-one rooted in accountability that guarantees the right of  return for the 120,000 displaced Armenian civilians of Artsakh and  ensures the immediate release of all Armenian prisoners of war and  civilian captives held by the Azerbaijani government," said ANCA  activist Dave Krikorian.

"As a Member of Congress, I will seek to strengthen the relationship  between the United States and Armenia, the oldest Christian nation in  the world," said Indiana State Representative Craig Haggard. "I stand  with President Trump in asking the government of Azerbaijan to  immediately release all Armenian prisoners of war."

In responses to the ANCA Congressional Candidate Questionnaire, Rep.  Haggard expressed strong support for a wide range of issues impacting  the Armenian American community. He committed to the immediate and  unconditional release of Armenian prisoners of war and civilian  captives, the protection of Armenian Christian cultural heritage, and  the long-term security of Armenia and the people of Nagorno Karabakh  (Artsakh).

"I believe in a sovereign Armenia. Adversaries in the region have a  bad habit of destroying Christian cultural heritage. Armenian land  should be free of Azerbaijan military forces and all Armenian POWs  should be released immediately. I will do whatever I can to advocate  for this," stated Rep. Haggard, in the ANCA questionnaire.

He further pledged to use "any leverage I have to hold all  accountable for the ethnic cleansing and any other actions as  horrific as this," referencing Azerbaijan's brutal assault and forced  depopulation of Artsakh.

Rep. Haggard continues to build ties with the Armenian American  community, recently attending Armenian Apostolic church "Blessing of  the Grapes" services in August.

With his demonstrated commitment, principled leadership, and strong  engagement with constituents, Haggard has earned the ANCA's  endorsement as a trusted advocate for Armenian Americans on  priorities related to Armenia and Artsakh.