Armenian National Committee – San Francisco Bay Area
51 Commonwealth Avenue
San Francisco, California 94118
Phone: 415.387.3433 Fax: 415.751.0617
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
August 19, 2008
Contact: Roxanne Makasdjian
Telephone: 415.387.3433
REP. SPEIER COSPONSORS RESOLUTION ON DINK ASSASSINATION
— Cites need for Armenian Genocide recognition and increased U.S. aid
to Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh
SAN MATEO, CA – In a meeting with Armenian American community members
led by the Bay Area Armenian National Committee (ANC) and the Armenian
Assembly of America (AAA), Congresswoman Jackie Kanchelian Speier
(CA-12) agreed to join the growing list of cosponsors of House
Resolution 102, a resolution condemning the 2007 assassination of
Armenian newspaper editor Hrant Dink in Turkey. Dink’s murder is
widely believed to have been a reaction to his publications about the
Armenian Genocide.
In the meeting at Rep. Speier’s San Mateo, California office, the
Congresswoman stressed the need for continued vigilance to achieve
recognition of the Armenian Genocide and for increased U.S. aid to
Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh. She also urged greater participation in
public affairs by the Armenian American community.
"I am encouraged when we are able to work collaboratively to achieve
our common objectives of securing recognition and justice for the
Armenian Genocide and enhancing U.S. relations with Armenia – an
increasingly vital ally in the Caucuses," said Rep. Speier. "We most
certainly must rectify the past, while keeping a keen eye on the
future. I look forward to the day when thousands of Armenian Americans
converge on Capitol Hill, united in advancing this important cause."
The community members at the meeting thanked the Congresswoman for
signing onto HR 106, the Armenian Genocide Resolution, and for joining
the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues within days of taking her
House seat earlier this year. The meeting was attended by Valina
Agbabian, Sako Bezdjian, Armen Carapetian, Sebouh Der Kiureghian,
Levon Ishag, Matt Senekeremian, Margaret Shamlian, and Khatchig
Tazian.
"Congresswoman Speier is always very accessible, receptive, and has a
deep understanding of our issues," said long-time Bay Area ANC
activist Khatchig Tazian. "We are fortunate to be represented by one
of the few Congressional members who keeps well informed, has a real
commitment to our issues, and works hand-in-hand with us to achieve
our mutual goals."
The group discussed a wide range of issues of concern to Armenian
Americans, including the latest efforts in the House to fight back the
Bush Administration’s attempts to cut U.S. aid to Armenia and tip the
balance of military aid in favor of Azerbaijan. Also at issue was the
unsettling effect Azerbaijan’s recent hostile actions and aggressive
rhetoric are having on the Nagorno-Karabagh peace negotiations, and
the serious challenges the ongoing crisis in Georgia is presenting to
Armenia, Karabagh, and Armenians living in Javakh, the Armenian
enclave within Georgia’s borders.
When presented with an overview of the ANCA Capital Gateway and AAA
internship programs, Rep. Speier enthusiastically welcomed the
opportunity to host the next generation of Armenian American activists
in her offices. Congresswoman Speier also expressed her pleasure to
serve as an honorary chair for the ANC-WR 24th Annual Banquet to be
held on October 12, 2008, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in
Simi Valley.
Congresswoman Speier is one of two current members of the U.S. House
of Representatives of Armenian descent, along with Bay Area
Congresswoman Anna Eshoo.