Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: info@aaainc.org
Web:
MEDIA ALERT
March 30, 2005
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
Email: ckojoian@aaainc.org
RE: “International Relief, Refuge, and Recognition Tribute” Photos
Los Angeles, CA – Last month the Armenian Assembly, together with the
Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and the Western Diocese of
the Armenian Church, paid tribute to those countries and organizations
that provided relief to survivors of the Armenian Genocide or
subsequently took steps to affirm the historical record. The event,
known as the “International Relief, Refuge, and Recognition Tribute,”
welcomed more than 270 Los Angeles-area community leaders and
supporters, despite a last-minute effort by Turkey to sabotage and
prevent the remembrance ceremony.
Below are pictures from the event which was held on February 24 at the
Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles.
Photographs available on the Assembly Web site at the following links:
Caption: “International Relief, Refuge and Recognition” honorees
accept their awards. L to R: Armenian Assembly Western Diocese
Chairman Richard Mushegain, AGBU Southern California District
Committee Chairman Vahe Imasdounian, Vice-Consul Slovak Republic
Martina Simkova, Deputy Consul General Russian Federation Yuri
Bedjanian, Father Alexis Smith of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles on
behalf of the Vatican, Consular Officer Kingdom of Denmark Ruth Thale,
Consul General Republic of Armenia Gagik Kirakossian, Representative
of Cyprus Michael Sarris; American Red Cross Chairman Rod Hagenbach,
Consul Genereal of Greece Dimitrios Zevelakis, Near East Foundation
President Dr. Ryan La Hurd and Armenian Assembly Board of Directors
Chairman Anthony Barsamian.
Caption: Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn, a staunch supporter of Armenian
issues, speaks about the legacy of the Armenian Genocide.
Caption: California State Senator Charles Poochigian (R-Fresno), who
has championed California legislation affirming the Armenian Genocide,
signs the “Wall of Survival.”
Caption: L to R: Armenian Assembly Western Diocese Chairman Richard
Mushegain, Slovak Republic Vice-Consul Martina Simkova and event
participant Yervant Demirdjian.
Caption: Russian Federation Deputy Consul General Yuri Bedjanian
participates in the candle lighting ceremony.
Caption: Near East Foundation President Dr. Ryan La Hurd was the
keynote speaker at last month’s event.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
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NR#2005-036