Los Angeles, CA – Over fifty members of the Armenian American Community gathered at the Universal Sheraton on Saturday, May 3, 2008 to take part in the Annual Federal Issues Town Hall Briefing organized by the Armenian National Committee – Western Region (ANC-WR). The informative session which focused on major Armenian issues pending in the second session of the 110th Congress featured presentations by ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian and prominent political expert Charles Mahtesian.

“Today’s event was a unique opportunity and extremely informative and important for all members of the Armenian American community,” stated ANC-WR Executive Director Antranig Kziran. “Both Mahtesian and Hachikian provided insight into topics that are of interest to Armenian Americans and serve as valuable information,” he added.

Mahtesian is National Politics Editor for Politico and served as editor for the National Journal’s Almanac of American Politics, which is commonly referred to as “the bible of American politics.” Mahtesian provided the attendees with his insider analysis of the United States Presidential elections, the upcoming Congressional elections and related issues.

Hachikian discussed several topics including U.S Foreign Aid to Armenia, the Congressional Armenian Genocide resolutions, the upcoming hearings in the Senate regarding an Ambassador to Armenia, the current situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and various other issues of concern to the community.

The annual federal town halls are geared to inform the Armenian American community about issues that pertain to the community at large.

The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy 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 advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

Photo caption #1: Charles Mahtesian addresses the audience at the ANC-WR Federal Town Hall Issues Briefing.

Photo caption #2: ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian and National Politics Editor for Politico Charles Mahtesian join ANC-WR activists at the Federal Town Hall Issues Briefing.