Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
Fax: 818.246.7353
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
March 14, 2007
Contact: Haig Hovsepian
Tel: (818) 500-1918
GREATER SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY MEETS WITH U.S. REPRESENTATIVE BILBRAY’S
OFFICE
— Representative Bilbray Decides to Cosponsor Armenian Genocide
Resolution
Solana Beach, CA – In coordination with the ANCA-WR POWER Initiative,
the San Diego ANC met with the Congressional District Office of
Congressman Brian Bilbray on March 12, 2007. Preceding this meeting, the
San Diego ANC engaged the community by preparing letters to Rep. Bilbray
voicing concerns regarding the Armenian Genocide Resolution. Next,
members of the Armenian American community of the Greater San Diego area
traveled to Rep. Bilbray’s district office to discuss the Armenian
Genocide Resolution and other issues of concern to local constituents.
Within one day of the meeting, the Congressman communicated his support
for the Armenian Genocide Resolution. "This meeting with Congressman
Bilbray’s office allowed us to present a united front of support for H.
Res. 106 – we need to make sure that the Armenian Genocide is properly
recognized by Congress," stated ANC activist Edik Ismaelyan. "During the
meeting, each attendee expressed an individual perspective on the
Armenian Genocide Resolution and the Congressman’s office greatly
appreciated our visit. We look forward to working with Congressman
Bilbray here in his district," added ANC activist Rob Deranian.
The meeting was attended by ANC activists Edick Ismaelyan, Hasmig
Sillano, Arthur Sillano, Jim Yogurtian and Robert Deranian.
Additionally, these activists were joined by Ani Lanuza of the Armenian
General Benevolent Union, Rev. Fr. Datev Tatoulian, Pastor of St. John
Garabed Armenian Church in San Diego, Chris Yemenidjian of the National
Organization of Republican Armenians and Mario Saldana, a concerned
constituent.
As district meetings across the western United States take place to help
Armenian American communities engage their local elected officials, the
ANCA-WR staff continues to keep its eyes on Congress. "This type of
activity typifies the grassroots activism that continuously drives the
Armenian National Committee’s efforts," stated Executive Director
Antranig Kzirian. "We are hopeful that Congress will call H. Res. 106
to a vote – and in the meantime we want to give our communities a chance
to be heard because they are constituents – unlike the Turkish
Government officials visiting Washington to influence our government’s
internal constitutional processes."
46 of the 53 Congressmen from California have signed on as cosponsors to
H. Res. 106.
The Armenian National Committee of America is the largest and most
influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working
in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters
throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the
world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American
community on a broad range of issues.
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PHOTO CAPTION: Congressman Brian Bilbray [CA-50-R].
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
