FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Armenian Assembly of America
50 North La Cienega Blvd., Suite 202
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 360-0091 phone

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 22, 2005
CONTACT: Lena Kaimian

Governor Schwarzenegger Signs Armenian Genocide Legislation

Los Angeles, CA – Armenian Assembly of America Western Office Chairman
Richard Mushegain, Bay Area Regional Council Chair Suzanne Abnous,
and Western Office Director Lena Kaimian were part of a pan-community
delegation attending Armenian Genocide 90th Anniversary Commemorative
activities in Sacramento on April 21.

Kaimian was among several community leaders that were invited to
witness California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger sign SB 424 into law.
The new law, originally authored by State Senator Charles Poochigian,
permanently designates April 24 as “Day of Remembrance of the Armenian
Genocide.”

During the signing ceremony Kaimian thanked the Governor for his
continuous support of the Armenian American community in California.
Armenian Assembly of America Western Office Chairman Richard Mushegain
commented, “The Armenian-American community is very appreciative
of Governor Schwarzenegger’s efforts to commemorate the Armenian
Genocide during the 90th anniversary this crime against humanity.
The Governor has become one of the leaders in the movement for
reaffirming the Armenian Genocide. We look forward to working with
him and other leaders in preventing future genocides.”

Prior to the signing ceremony, the Armenian Assembly representatives
along with members of the pan-community delegation witnessed the
unanimous passage of Genocide legislation in both the State Senate
and the Assembly. Throughout the day the Assembly delegation met with
numerous members of the California Senate including Senators Poochigian
(R-Fresno), Scott (D-Altadena), Simitian (D-Palo Alto) and Speier
(D-Hillsborough). The delegation also met with California State
Assembly members Aghazarian (R-Stockton), Frommer (D-Los Angeles),
Liu (D- La Canada), and Villines (R-Clovis).

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.