Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. (202) 775-1918
Fax. (202) 775-5648
Email anca@anca.org
Internet

PRESS RELEASE
July 24, 2007
Contact: Christopher Yemenidjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

ANCA LEO SARKISIAN INTERNS EXPLORE CAPITOL HILL

Washington, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
"Leo Sarkisian" interns ventured to Capitol Hill for a full day of
activities, as the group continues its eight-week program to gain
first-hand insight into the American political system.

The intern team kicked off the day with a breakfast meeting with
lead Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.106) sponsor Rep. Adam
Schiff (D-CA), who provided an update on the status of the
legislation and answered questions regarding upcoming action. The
group informed Rep. Schiff about grassroots activities they had
spearheaded along with ANCA regional and local chapters, including
outreach to the growing Armenian American communities in Alabama,
Texas, Oregon, North and South Carolina among other states.
H.Res.106 currently has over 220 cosponsors, a majority of the
House of Representatives, and is awaiting floor action.

The Leo Sarkisian group then went on to meet with Library of
Congress Armenian and Georgian Area Specialist Dr. Levon Avdoyan,
who gave the interns a extensive tour of the Library and its
Armenian holdings. Avdoyan showcased valuable artifacts from
ancient Armenia including a bible written in 1666, and various
manuscripts. Additional Library of Congress resources on Armenia
may be viewed online at:
ia/armenia.html

"It was inspirational to see the literary and historic genius of
Armenians preserved and on display in the world’s most renowned
library — the US Library of Congress," commented ANCA Capital
Gateway Program Director Serouj Aprahamian. "Our people have made
enormous contributions to humanity and it is gratifying to know
that the United States has preserved some of the many books,
manuscripts, and documents developed by Armenians throughout
antiquity."

Later in the day, the "Leo Sarkisian" interns took a tour of
Capitol Hill, graciously hosted by Rep. Schiff’s office. During
the tour of the Capitol, the interns took some time to watch the
House in action as Members discussed pressing issues in Iraq and
watched a vote.

"Over the past several weeks, we’ve come to Capitol Hill to cover
hearings, hold meetings – but to watch the Representatives actually
casting there votes was inspiring," commented "Leo Sarkisian"
intern Shant Hagopian. "I hope to follow in their footsteps in the
future, pursuing a career in public service to our country."

The ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship Program, now in its 23rd year, is
an eight week intensive program designed to give student leaders
and activists the tools necessary to effectively advance Armenian
American concerns on campus and in their communities. It is an
integral part of the ANCA Capital Gateway program, a year-round
internship / job placement service which provides Armenian
Americans greater opportunities to explore careers on Capitol Hill,
in the U.S. Foreign Service and key Washington, DC foreign policy
think tanks. To learn more about the ANCA Capital Gateway Program,
visit:

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Photo Caption:

Libraryofcongress.jpg: Library of Congress
Armenia and Georgia Specialist, Dr. Levon Avdoyan
(center) with ANCA Capital Gateway Director
Serouj Aprahamian (second from right) and ANCA
`Leo Sarkisian’ Interns (from l to r) Alidz
Oshagan, Dzovak Kazandjian, Alex Der Alexanian,
Shant Hagopian, Nyree Naljian and Paul Ternamian

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress