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
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PRESS RELEASE
April 29, 2005
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
Email: ckojoian@aaainc.org

KANSAS FORMALLY RECOGNIZES THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Assembly Hails Activism of Alex Kotoyantz, Local Community

Washington, DC – On April 20, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius made
state history by issuing a proclamation formally recognizing the
Armenian Genocide – making Kansas the 38th state to properly
acknowledge this crime against humanity.

The Governor’s proclamation states in part: “[April 24] marks the
ninetieth anniversary of the genocide and deportation of countless
Armenians in Ottoman Turkey; this great sorrow continues to haunt not
only Armenians but also their neighbors in Turkey.”

Sebelius added that the world should never forget the suffering of the
Armenian people and saluted Armenia as well as those
Armenian-Americans who have chosen Kansas as their adopted home.

“We thank Governor Sebelius for issuing this proclamation and
designating April 24 as ‘Armenian Remembrance Day,’ during the 90th
anniversary of this crime,” said Assembly Board of Directors Chairman
Anthony Barsamian. “This proclamation is important for the state of
Kansas, as well as Armenian-Americans across the country who are
helping in the fight for U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide.”

Barsamian also commended State Chair for Kansas Alex Kotoyantz for his
instrumental role in helping secure the state proclamation.
Kotoyantz, who helped rally community support, met with the governor’s
staff on several occasions to encourage recognition of the Armenian
Genocide.

“Alex has once again demonstrated that one constituent can make a
major difference,” Barsamian continued. “Everyday in every state, the
Assembly is working to urge the U.S. to condemn the horrors of 1915 by
employing the term Armenian Genocide. To that end, we are grateful to
activists like Alex who help us carry out our vital work.”

Last year, Kotoyantz worked closely with Minnesota State Chair Lou Ann
Matossian and Assembly staff in Washington to secure the
“Kansas-Armenia Partnership Day” proclamation recognizing the
importance of the recently-forged relationship between the Kansas
National Guard and Armenia within the framework of the State’s
Partnership Program.

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#2005-047A

Proclamation by Kansas State Governor Kathleen Sebelius

TO THE PEOPLE OF KANSAS, GREETINGS:

WHEREAS, today is a day for Kansas to join in remembrance of a human
tragedy that stands as a reminder for us to strive for a future of
peace, prosperity and freedom for all; and

WHEREAS, today marks the ninetieth anniversary of the genocide and
deportations of countless Armenians in Ottoman Turkey; this great
sorrow continues to haunt not only Armenians but also their neighbors
in Turkey; and

WHEREAS, we are reminded that the suffering of the Armenian people
from 1915-1923 was a tragedy which the world should not forget and
applauds efforts of Armenia and Turkey to come together to consider
these events and their significance; and

WHEREAS, Kansas also wishes these countries success as they build on
their recent achievements and encourages them to continue to work
together in a spirit of hope and understanding; and

WHEREAS, Kansas remembers those who perished and suffered, we also
salute the modern nation of Armenia, and Armenians everywhere. Kansas
is grateful for the contributions of Armenian Americans who have
chosen Kansas as their adopted home. They have employed wisdom,
courage and centuries old traditions to enrich the character of our
state through their leadership in business, agriculture, academia,
government and the arts; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHLEEN SEBELIUS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF KANSAS,
on behalf of the people of Kansas, send solemn wishes to the Armenian
people on this day of remembrance, and do hereby proclaim April 24,
2005, as Armenian Remembrance Day in Kansas, and urge all citizens to
join in this observance. Our state and the Armenian nation stand
together, with our partnership of peace, prosperity and freedom.