FED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOHNNY NALBANDIAN MEETS WITH PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE JOHN MCCAIN

ArmRadio – Public Radio, Armenia
Oct 2 2007

The Foundation for Economic Development (FED) and the Armenian National
Committee-Western Region (ANC-WR) participated in the semi-annual
California Republican Party convention in Palm Springs.

FED Executive Director, Johnny Nalbandian joined ANC-WR Community
Relations Director Haig Hovsepian and community activists William
Bairamian, Marie Ghanime, and Savada Simounian-Khygani to help raise
awareness about Armenian American issues – particularly ANC efforts
to raise awareness about the Armenian Genocide and to promote the
growing economic trade relations between California and Armenia.

The convention was abuzz with promotional efforts by several 2008
presidential candidates. Teams representing former New York City Mayor
Rudolph Giuliani, former MA Governor Mitt Romney, US Representative
Ron Paul, and recently announced candidate, former US Senator Fred
Thompson all worked the convention crowd. Presidential candidate
and US Senator, John McCain also addressed the convention during
a Saturday afternoon luncheon. Nalbandian attended the luncheon to
urge Senator McCain to heed California Armenian community concerns –
particularly with regard to the growing US-Armenia trade relations.

"It was great to be at the convention this weekend with our friends
from the ANC-WR and educate the Republican faithful about untapped
potential of California-Armenia trade relations," said Nalbandian.

"It was particularly heartening to hear McCain refer to Armenians as
his ‘favorite merchants’ when we met. US- as well as California-Armenia
relations should be a priority for all presidential candidates."

The event also featured appearances by CA Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger as well as several state legislators.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress