Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
Fax: 818.246.7353
E-mail: ancawr@anca.org
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PRESS RELEASE
April 12, 2007
Contact: Haig Hovsepian
Tel: (818) 500-1918

Turkey Moves to Block ANCA-WR Video on YouTube

Los Angeles, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western
Region (ANCA-WR) is reporting that a Turkish parliamentary commission
has approved a proposal allowing Turkey to block internet sites that are
deemed insulting to the founder of modern Turkey. The proposal, if
enacted into law, would effectively block an ANCA-WR video posted on
YouTube that discusses the Turkish denial of the Armenian Genocide.

"The Internet is being held hostage in Turkey," remarked ANCA-WR
Executive Director Andrew Kzirian. "The fact that our ANCA-WR video
would be blocked by Turkish censors shows the world the intent of the
Turkish government regarding free speech and free press. Even the
mention of the Armenian Genocide in our video would be cause enough for
Turkish censors to block our link on YouTube," added Kzirian.

The Turkish Parliament plans to vote on the proposal to block access to
YouTube videos, like the ANCA-WR’s, though a firm date for a vote has
not been announced. Last year a Turkish court generated worldwide
headlines by temporarily barring access to Google Inc.’s YouTube.

The Armenian National Committee of America is the largest and most
influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working
in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters
throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the
world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American
community on a broad range of issues.

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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress