Montebello, CA – San Gabriel Valley activist Maro Siranosian was joined this week by a delegation of Armenian National Committee volunteers to discuss a range of Armenian American concerns with California’s Representative from the 39th Congressional district Linda Sanchez, reported the Armenian National Committee of San Gabriel Valley.

During the meeting, held at the Rep. Sanchez’s Washington, DC office, the ANC representatives thanked the Congresswoman for her support for H.Res.193, a resolution marking the 15th anniversary of the U.S. implementation of the U.N. Genocide Convention. They also expressed appreciation for her support of H.R.528, a bill that would extend permanent normalized trade relations status to Armenia. Other issues discussed included efforts to build coalitions with Latino organizations, education, and expanding opportunities for underprivileged youth.

“We are very thankful for Congresswoman Sanchez’s continued support. During our meeting she expressed a sincere concern for our issues, and we look forward to working with her in the future,” explained Siranosian, a local ANC activist . Other ANC delegation members were Suzy Bezikian, Alina Azizian and Abraham Niziblian, ANCA Government Affairs Director. Siranosian, Azizian and Bezikian are in Washington, DC as part of the ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship Program.

Rep. Sanchez, now serving her first term in Congress, has been a consistent supporter of Armenian American concerns. In addition to her support for H.Res.193 and H.R.528, Rep. Sanchez joined 168 of her Congressional colleagues earlier this year in urging President Bush to acknowledge properly characterize the Turkish atrocities committed against Armenians from 1915-1923 as “Genocide.” On April 9th, Rep. Sanchez also attended the annual Capitol Hill Observance of the Armenian Genocide.