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
Web:

PRESS RELEASE
May 31, 2007

Contact: Haig Hovsepian
Tel: (818) 500-1918

Congressman Schiff and Congressman Becerra Meet with ANCA-WR
to Discuss Armenian American Issues

Los Angeles, CA – The largest Armenian American public affairs organization,
the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR), met
with the author of the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res. 106) Congressman
Adam Schiff (D-CA-29) and with Assistant to the Speaker of the House
Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-CA-31) this week to discuss issues of
importance to the Armenian American community. The Armenian Genocide
Resolution currently is pending in the House Foreign Affairs Committee and
enjoys the strong broad bipartisan support of 196 Members of Congress from
across the United States.

"We value the strong moral leadership of Congressman Schiff and Congressman
Becerra on issues of concern to our community," noted Andrew Kzirian,
Executive Director of the ANCA-WR. "After meeting with both Representatives
we are more confident than ever that America’s complicity in Turkey’s denial
of the Armenian Genocide is coming to an end," Kzirian added.

The ANCA-WR, in coordination with local ANC chapters throughout the western
United States, has worked to promote awareness of H. Res. 106. The measure
acknowledges the heroic and historic humanitarian relief effort of the
United States in assisting the victims of the Armenian Genocide during the
early part of the 20th century.

The meeting with Congressman Xavier Becerra included the participation of
ANC activist and constituent Maurice Soudjian, ANCA-WR Board Members Raffi
Hamparian and Steve Dadaian and Kzirian. The meeting with Congressman Adam
Schiff included the participation of Hamparian, Kzirian, ANCA-WR Board
Member Aida Dimejian and longtime ANC leader Karo Khanjian. Both meetings
provided an opportunity to share legislative priorities and strategies and
further strengthened the relationships between the local community and the
Congressmen.

"Meeting with Congressman Becerra provided yet another great chance to work
together on issues that matter to Armenian Americans," stated Eagle Rock
resident and ANC supporter Maurice Soudjian. "The ANC works hard to
cultivate positive relationships with Members of the Congress – I sincerely
appreciate the organization and the wonderful work it does in the
community," he added. "We always welcome the opportunity to sit down with
Congressman Schiff to discuss important issues," stated ANCA-WR Board Member
Aida Dimejian. "There is much work to be done and we are counting down the
days to when H. Res. 106 will make it to the House floor," she added.

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.