Armenian National Committee – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
Fax: 818.246.7353
ancwr@anca.org
PRESS RELEASE
May 28, 2009
Contact: Andrew Kzirian
Representative Xavier Becerra Briefs Community on Various Issues
– Armenian and Greek Communities Hear from Top Congressional Leader
Los Angeles, CA – The Armenian National Committee – Western Region
(ANC-WR) hosted, along with the American Hellenic Council (AHC) and
the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA), an educational issues briefing
with Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-31) on May 27, 2009 at St. Sophia
Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles. This event was part of the
ANC-WR’s Leadership Speaker Series and offered attendees and key
community leaders an opportunity to closely interact with a
high-ranking official of the United States House of Representatives.
`America has benefited greatly over the past two decades from our
close friendship with Armenia, just as we have been enriched by the
contributions of a long established Armenian community here in the
United States. As a close friend and ally of Armenia, it is long past
time for us to recognize the historical fact of the genocide committed
against the Armenian people at the turn of the last century – a
historical fact that should be recognized, and learned from regardless
of the strong relationship that exists between us. That is why I
continue to be a strong supporter and cosponsor of Rep. Adam Schiff’s
`Affirmation of the United States Record on the Armenian Genocide
Resolution’ in Congress. As always I am proud to join with the
Armenian and Hellenic communities here in Los Angeles who form an
integral part of the civic, cultural and economic life of our city and
state,’ stated Becerra.
In addition to the Congressman’s briefing, the evening featured
remarks from former President and current Vice-President of the
American Hellenic Council Aris Anagnos, ANC-WR Executive Director
Andrew Kzirian and AAA Director Yeghig Keshishian.
`Promoting awareness of issues of concern to our community is a
priority for the ANC-WR,’ stated Kzirian. `The Congressman provided a
candid overview of many of the issues we face both at home and abroad
– it is clear that the Congressman possesses a deep understanding of
the many factors that play a role in the ongoing effort to gain
recognition of the Armenian Genocide,’ he added.
The Armenian National Committee has had a longstanding relationship
with Becerra since his election to the California State Assembly in
1990. In that post he represented Little Armenia and was a frequent
guest at the Hollywood ANC offices on Vermont Avenue. Since his
election to the House in 1992, Becerra has established a strong
working relationship with ANC activists throughout his district,
particularly in Eagle Rock and areas of his district bordering the
City of Glendale.
"Today’s event demonstrates the importance of civic engagement and
involvement for the Armenian American community,’ stated ANC-WR Board
Member and attendee Nishan Bostanian. `Congressman Becerra is a
strong supporter of human rights and the audience took advantage of an
intimate town hall setting to discuss many issues of concern to the
community openly,’ he added.
Congressman Xavier Becerra has been a Member of the House of
Representatives since 1993, representing California’s 31st
Congressional District. Becerra currently serves as the Democratic
Caucus Vice Chair in the 111th Congress, which is the fifth highest
position after only House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA-08), House Majority
Leader Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Majority Whip James Clyburn (SC-06) and
Caucus Chair John Larson (CT-01).
The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest
Armenian American grassroots community organization in the Western
United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and
affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR works to
promote understanding regarding issues of concern to the Armenian
American community.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress