Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: info@aaainc.org
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PRESS RELEASE

March 6, 2009
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: mzachariades@aaainc.org
Phone: (202) 393-3434

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY WESTERN REGION CONTINUES OUTREACH

Los Angeles, CA- In a continuation of its outreach efforts, the Armenian
Assembly of America (Assembly), along with University of California,
Irvine, Armenian Students’ Association and the AGBU Young Professionals
of Orange County, held two separate Congressional forums last month in
Fresno (Central Valley) and Irvine (Orange County). The forums, which
featured Representatives Ed Royce (R-CA) and George Radanovich (R-CA),
both members of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues and
long-time supporters of U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide,
offered a unique opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues.

In Orange County, participants heard from Congressman Royce on topics
ranging from U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide; U.S.-Turkey
military policy and the Azeri government’s increasing war rhetoric with
regards to Nagorno-Karabakh. Royce explained his deep conviction and
past championship of previous resolutions calling for U.S. affirmation
of the Armenian Genocide and detailed how he will continue to work with
both the Armenian-American community and his colleagues in Congress to
ensure that a resolution is passed by the House of Representatives.
Royce also described the current ramifications behind Azerbaijan’s
bellicose rhetoric, outlining his commitment to ensuring that U.S.
foreign policy in the South Caucasus applies sufficient pressures on
Azerbaijan to cease its hostility toward the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.

"I would like to thank Congressman Royce for his steadfast support on
Armenian issues and for his voting record, which is reflective of our
common goal of greater regional stability and integration in the South
Caucasus," stated Keshishian. Royce played an instrumental role in
passing an amendment to the 2006 Export-Import Reauthorization Act,
which prevented U.S. taxpayer assistance to a proposed railway
connecting Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey that specifically bypassed
Armenia.

In Fresno, Keshishian travelled to join Congressman George Radanovich
(R-CA) to discuss the Armenian Genocide Resolution and the implications
the Presidential and Congressional elections had on the Congressional
Caucus on Armenia Issues. While official business prevented Radanovich
from appearing that evening, Keshishian led an in-depth discussion on
the Assembly’s activities in California and specifically outlined the
issues in 2009 – namely, a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict, U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide and seeking closer
U.S.-Armenia cooperation on military and economic concerns.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding
and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c) (3)
tax-exempt membership organization.

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NR#2009-01