To Whom It May Concern:

In the October 19 edition of Asbarez — and reprinted at Huliq.com — Harut Sassounian wrote that I "deviously sent a private letter to Speaker Pelosi" announcing my intention to oppose the Armenian Genocide resolution.

While Mr. Sassounian has every right to disagree with my position on H.Res. 106, there was nothing devious about my public letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.  The letter was posted on my official website together with an open letter to the Armenian American community within minutes of its delivery.  My staff also sent a copy of the letter to various Armenian organizations that same day.

As I have said from the outset, I believe that genocide against the Armenian people occurred in 1915 and I support the substance of H.Res 106 – which is why I continue to be a cosponsor of the legislation.  However, I also continue to believe that voting on the resolution now would contribute to serious instability in the Middle East.  My views are elaborated in an op-ed piece published in The Los Angeles Times on October 12 – http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-oe-harman12oct12,1,3204792,print.story.

Rep. Jane Harman (D-Venice) represents California's 36th Congressional District.