PRESS RELEASE
Contact Person: Peter Ara Guekguezian
Phone: 1-559-224-1000
October 15, 2004
PRIME MINISTER VISITS CENTRAL VALLEY, BAY AREA
Fresh from elections that observers applauded as one
of the best in the region, Artsakh Prime Minister
Anoushavan Danielian paid his first visit to the
Diaspora in the Central Valley of California on
October 8th and 9th. The Fresno-based Armenian
Technology Group, Inc. (ATG) and its Executive
Director Varoujan Der Simonian had the privilege of
arranging his itinerary and accompanied him and his
entourage, which included the Artsakh representative
in Washington, D.C., Vardan Barsegian, and three
representatives for Armenia Fund in Los Angeles, for
the two days that he was in and around Fresno.
Upon his arrival, the Prime Minister attended a
private welcoming reception at the house of Dr. & Mrs.
Hagop Tookoian, ATG Treasurer. In addition to many
well-respected members of the Armenian community,
representatives from the offices of Congressman George
Radanovich, Senator Diane Feinstein, and State Senator
Chuck Poochigian were present at the reception. Both
Congressman Radanovich and Senator Barbara Boxer
presented letters of welcoming and congratulations to
the Prime Minister. Congressman Radanovich welcomed
him to the Central Valley and both its “agriculture
bounty” and thriving Armenian community; Senator Boxer
expressed her appreciation for his presence here, as
well as his ongoing work in Karabagh.
The Prime Minister also was interviewed on the
‘Armenia Radio Hour’ that night. He expressed his
interest in visiting the San Joaquin Valley to learn
more about Armenian accomplishments in agribusiness.
He also talked about the current situation in
Karabagh, as well as the upcoming ‘Armenia Telethon’.
On Saturday, he visited the Masis Ararat Cemetery, the
only Armenian cemetery in America, to visit and lay
flowers at the graves of Soghomon Tehlirian, an
Armenian hero and avenger of the Genocide, and William
Saroyan, the most prominent writer of the
Armenian-American community. He then visited the
following local, Armenian-owned businesses with Der
Simonian and ATG President Sarkis Sarabian: OK
Produce, Baloian Packing, Mid Valley Packing, National
Raisin Company, Sarabian Farms, and Hye Cuisine. The
Bedrosian family, owners of National Raisin Company,
hosted him for a hospitable lunch. He and his
entourage witnessed the stories of many
Armenian-Americans who, despite their successes here,
have never forgotten their homeland.
The Prime Minister and his entourage left for San
Francisco on Saturday night. Mr. Khajag Sarkisian, a
leader in the Armenian community, organized and led
the Bay Area leg of the trip; thanks to his tireless
efforts, the Prime Minister’s visit to Northern
California was successful. Upon arriving, the Prime
Minister visited St. John’s Armenian Church for a
public forum. In the morning he attended services at
St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church. After the
social hour there, he attended several private
meetings. At night, he had a dinner and business forum
with several business representatives and members of
the Armenian community. He then left for Los Angeles
to continue his visit with the Diaspora in America,
enthusiastic and thankful for the support of his
fellow Armenians in the Bay Area and the Central
Valley.
Attached please find the letters from Congressman
George Radanovich and Senator Barbara Boxer. For
photographs relating to this article, please go to the
ATG website at , or call ATG at
1-559-224-1000.
Shad shnorhagal em,
Peter Ara Guekguezian
Armenian Technology Group, Inc.
Administrative Assistant
=====
Varoujan Der Simonian, Executive Director
Armenian Technology Group, Inc.
1322 East Shaw Ave., Suite 255
Fresno CA 93710-7904 US
1.559.224.1000 Fax 1.559.224.1002
[email protected]