Armenian National Committee – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: October 8, 2007
Contact: Haig Hovsepian
Tel: (818) 500-1918
ANC-WR Annual Banquet Celebrates Unprecedented Year of Grassroots
Achievements
Los Angeles, CA — More than 1000 supporters of the Armenian National
Committee’s Western Region gathered on Sunday, September 30 to celebrate a
landmark year of grassroots activism at the Universal Sheraton in Universal
City, California. This year’s banquet highlighted an unprecedented year of
Armenian American advocacy in the name of human rights and ending the cycle
of genocide. Government officials joined members of the community in
honoring United States Senator Robert Menendez (NJ), community leader Hacob
Shirvanian and the Right Honourable Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
"This year’s ANC-WR banquet signaled a serious step forward in our
community’s efforts," stated ANC-WR board member and Banquet Chairwoman Aida
Dimejian. "We must continue to educate our communities and government
representatives and secure a just resolution of the Armenian Genocide," she
added.
Senator Robert Menendez (NJ), recipient of the ANC-WR’s "Man of the Year"
award, addressed the sold out audience and discussed the enormous obligation
of all human rights advocates to continue the struggle to ensure truth and
recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The Senator also recounted the holds
he placed on the nomination of then Ambassador-designate to the Republic of
Armenia on Richard Hoagland. Hoagland provided denialist responses to the
Senate Foreign Relations during questioning pertaining to the Armenian
Genocide at his confirmation hearings. In his acceptance speech, Menendez
said that the next nominee as Ambassador to Armenia should be able to answer
the following question: "Do you agree that there was an Armenian Genocide?"
He insisted that anything but an affirmative response would subject that
candidate to the same fate as Ambassador Hoagland. Sen. Menendez also urged
President Bush to change his policy and recognize the Armenian Genocide.
Menendez insisted that Bush did not recognize the Genocide, the next US
President will.
The evening also awarded community activist and philanthropist Hacob
Shirvanian with the "Legacy Award" for his remarkable commitment and
leadership in the Armenian American community. In accepting the award
presented by Mistress of Ceremonies Anahid Oshagan, Shirvanian thanked the
ANC for the decades of leadership and hard work. He said he had been like a
"father figure" to the organization, always prepared to give his advice and
guidance to the ANC’s endeavors and activities. He thanked all supporters
and family members who had gathered at the banquet, but especially thanked
his wife, Mina, for a lifetime of support and encouragement. Shirvanian was
also given a US flag that flew over the US Capitol presented by US Rep. Brad
Sherman (D-Calif.).
Finally, on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Canadian Secretary of
State Jason Kenney accepted the "Freedom Award" for the Prime Minister’s
courageous and principled affirmation of recognizing the Armenian Genocide
as the Canadian government’s official policy. Kenney noted that he was
honored to accept the award on behalf of the Prime Minister and insisted
that the recognition of the Genocide would go a long way in preventing
similar crimes from taking place. "I am proud to say that Canada’s New
Government is committed to ensuring that today’s world is one where respect
for human rights and democratic freedom prevails," he said. "We have made it
very clear that our recognition of the Armenian genocide represents the
official position of the Government of Canada," said Kenney as he read to
the audience a letter from Prime Minister Harper. "Please be assured that
Canada will remain firm in our position. On behalf of the Right Honorable
Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, I want to thank the Armenian
National Committee of America for inviting us here this evening, and to wish
all of you the very best," he said. "Your efforts to promote human rights
and foster public awareness about issues affecting the Armenian community
abroad are helping create a world where everyone can enjoy peace and
stability," added Kenney.
Also speaking at the banquet was Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who
said that he had been attending ANC banquets and other events by the
organization for the last 10 years. He recounted that last year, he focused
his speech on the Hoagland nomination, adding that this year, the imperative
was the adoption of the Armenian Genocide resolution in Congress.
Villaraigosa praised Sen. Menendez for his principled stance, as a result of
which President Bush withdrew Hoagland’s nomination as ambassador. He also
urged his political colleagues in Congress to pass the resolution and
finally set the record straight.
The Armenian National Committee’s Western Region is the largest and most
influential Armenian American grassroots public affairs organization in the
Western United States. Working in oordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated
organizations around the country, the ANC-WR promotes awareness of issues of
concern to the Armenian American community.