Los Angeles, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) attended a special session of the Los Angeles City Council commemorating the 93rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on April 18, 2008. The event was hosted by the Los Angeles City Council, led by City Council President Eric Garcetti (District 13) and City Council President Pro Tempore Wendy Greuel (District 2). During the ceremony the LA City Council issued a proclamation on the occasion of this commemoration.

“The city council of Los Angeles’ commitment and leadership serves as an example to human rights activists and all levels of government throughout the country,” stated ANCA-WR Executive Director Antranig Kzirian. “Today’s statement is a reminder that the consequences of genocide and its denial remain with us to this day – and that the gag rule that Turkey has placed on the United States must be lifted,” he added.

Attending the event on behalf of the ANCA-WR were Board Members Pattyl Aposhian-Kasparian, Vahagn Thomassian and Souzi Zerounian-Khanzadian. They were joined by ANCA-WR Community Relations Director Haig Hovsepian and ANCA-WR Executive Director Andrew Kzirian who delivered remarks to city council members and those in attendance.

During their remarks, Council Members Garcetti and Greuel noted the importance of remembering and recognizing the Armenian Genocide and in turn appropriately confronting the genocide in Darfur today.

Also, in attendance were members of the Armenian community including, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Armenia, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, Armenian Relief Society Representative Rima Boghossian, Armenian Youth Federation Western Region Central Executive Chairman Caspar Jivalagian, Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles Armen Liloyan, ANC Hollywood Representative Harout Beshlian, and a large number of students from Rose and Alex Piliobos Armenian School.

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.

Photo caption #1: Council President Eric Garcetti (center), joined by members of the Armenian community of Los Angeles.

Photo caption #2: Council President Pro Tempore, Wendy Greuel (center), joined by members of the Armenian community of Los Angeles.