ANC-PAC HOLDS FUNDRAISER FOR MENENDEZ IN N.J.
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Mon, Mar 29 2010
SADDLE RIVER, N.J.-On March 21, the ANC-PAC held a successful
fundraiser at the home of Andreas Roubian in Saddle River, More than
100 members of the community members from all facets of political
life were present.
(L to R) Sue Aramian, Senator Bob Menendez, and Annie Pampanini
After Roubian welcomed the guests to his home, James Sahagian, the
ANC-NJ co-chair, spoke about the importance of ANC work for Armenian
Americans and for Armenia. ANC activist Ani Tchaghlasian introduced
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), listing his years of support for the
Armenian Genocide Resolution both in the House of Representatives and
now in the Senate. Over the years, Menendez has worked on halting
funding for a rail system in the Caucasus that bypassed Armenia;
advocating for funding for Armenia and Karabagh; and, twice placing a
hold on Dick Hoagland’s nomination as U.S. ambassador to Armenia after
the latter continued to deny the genocide during Senate confirmation
hearings. (Marie L. Yovanovitch was later named the ambassador to
Armenia.)
Tchaghlasian presented Menendez with a painting of a village in
Karabagh, donated by artist Roudik Petrosyan, who was born in
Stepanakert, the capital of Karabagh.
Menendez spoke eloquently about his support and belief in the Armenian
Cause. He also commented on Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan’s words earlier that week regarding the possible "deportations"
of Armenians currently residing illegally in Turkey-chilling words,
given the recent history of the genocide. The Senator graciously
thanked the host, the artist, all guests, and the ANC for their
support. In closing, he said that the ANC does great work and anyone
who is not a member of the ANC should be.
In addition to a great turnout (despite having been rescheduled due
to inclement weather), the event brought together many Armenians from
different walks of life.