Los Angeles, CA – On Wednesday, July 30, the Consul General of the Republic of Armenia hosted seven participants of the summer session of the Armenian National Committee Western Region Internship-Externship Program (ANC-WR IEP) along with ANC-WR Community Relations Director Haig Hovsepian. This visit gave an opportunity for the young and eager group of interns and externs to gain insight into the daily undertakings of the Consulate and its relationship with the Armenian American community.

Consul General Armen Liloyan and Vice Consul General Sahag Sargsyan welcomed the group at their Beverly Hills office and provided an open forum for questions and discussed the Consul’s duties. Gathered around the boardroom table, the interns and externs were able to ask questions regarding the tasks and daily operations of the Consulate. They were also able to see the new Armenian visa and inquire about the availability of internships within the office. Another topic of interest during the meeting was the newly available dual-citizen status now offered by the Republic of Armenia. Interns inquired about the requirements and procedures necessary to obtain dual citizenship.

Mikael Kourinian, an intern with the ANC-WR IEP, expressed, “This was an exceptional opportunity to learn more about the consulate and their daily operations. “As interns with the ANC-WR we can maintain contact with their office to keep updated on issues relating to Armenia including economic development, Nagorno-Karabagh and U.S. Armenia relations,” he added.

The overall experience was very valuable and plans on making trips to the Consulate’s office with future interns have already begun. “Being able to meet with the Consul General and his staff and getting to see the inner workings of their daily operations was an invaluable experience for any young Armenian American activist,” stated ANC-WR Intern Shant Karnikian. The interns were also given a tour of the entire Consulate and were introduced to various staff members.

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 – Consul General Armen Liloyan joined by ANC-WR Interns and Externs.