Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
Fax: 818.246.7353
ancawr@anca.org

PRESS RELEASE

November 6, 2007
Contact: Haig Hovsepian

Tel: (818) 500-1918

Montebello Armenian Americans Support ANCA With Special Event

— Local Community Raises Funds for Washington, DC Office

Montebello, CA – Friends and supporters of the Armenian National Committee
of America came out in force on November 2, 2007 to raise funds for the
national grassroots public affairs organization. Over $40,000 was raised at
the event in support of the ANCA’s leadership in advancing Armenian issues
in the Washington, DC.

"We are proud of the ANCA," community leader Nazareth Sadorian remarked
after the ANCA fundraising event. "The support we received tonight for the
ANCA is a clear indication that our grassroots activists are one hundred
percent behind this organization," he added.

At the fundraiser, ANCA National Chairman Ken Hachikian outlined the
organization’s efforts in support of House Resolution 106, the Armenian
Genocide Resolution. He also outlined the challenges faced by the army of
lobbyists being hired by the Republic of Turkey to deny the Armenian
Genocide. According to Hachikian, former Republican Congressman Bob
Livingston is being paid $100,000 a month to lobby for Turkey. Former
Democratic leader Dick Gephardt is also getting paid over $100,000 to
represent Turkey on Capitol Hill. With a well-funded opposition, Hachikian
stressed the need for the ANCA to have the resources to counter the web of
Genocide denial which the well oiled Turkish lobby continually attempts to
advance. In addition, Hachikian stressed the need to expand the ANCA’s
grassroots efforts through more extensive field work and community education
outreach efforts. Finally, he underscored the value of voter registration
efforts.

"Leaders lead," commented ANC-Western Region Chairman Raffi Hamparian.
"That is what we always see in Montebello. A community that is united in
support of the Armenian Cause and always willing to provide financial
resources for the ANCA office Washington, DC. I am proud of the Montebello
community for having had the vision to put this wonderful event together,"
Hamparian added.

The Montebello area Armenian American community has a long and proud history
of supporting the ANCA and being at the forefront of issues related to the
Armenian Cause. In the 1960’s the community rallied to build a prominent
Armenian Genocide monument at Bicknell Park. More recently, the local
Armenian American community established a sister city relationship between
the City of Montebello and Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorno-Karabagh.

The Armenian National Committee of America is the largest and most
influential Armenian-American grassroots political organization. Working
through a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the US and
around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the
Armenian-American community on a broad range of issues.