Los Angeles, CA – The largest Armenian American public affairs organization in the western United States, the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR), met with the author of the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res. 106) Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA-29) and with Assistant to the Speaker of the House Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-CA-31) this week to discuss issues of importance to the Armenian American community. The Armenian Genocide Resolution currently is pending in the House Foreign Affairs Committee and enjoys the strong broad bipartisan support of 196 Members of Congress from across the United States.

“We value the strong moral leadership of Congressman Schiff and Congressman Becerra on issues of concern to our community,” noted Andrew Kzirian, Executive Director of the ANCA-WR. “After meeting with both Representatives we are more confident than ever that America’s complicity in Turkey’s denial of the Armenian Genocide is coming to an end,” Kzirian added.

The ANCA-WR, in coordination with local ANC chapters throughout the western United States, has worked to promote awareness of H. Res. 106. The measure acknowledges the heroic and historic humanitarian relief effort of the United States in assisting the victims of the Armenian Genocide during the early part of the 20th century.

The meeting with Congressman Xavier Becerra included the participation of ANC activist and constituent Maurice Soudjian, ANCA-WR Board Members Raffi Hamparian and Steve Dadaian and Kzirian. The meeting with Congressman Adam Schiff included the participation of Hamparian, Kzirian, ANCA-WR Board Member Aida Dimejian and longtime ANC leader Karo Khanjian. Both meetings provided an opportunity to share legislative priorities and strategies and further strengthened the relationships between the local community and the Congressmen.

“Meeting with Congressman Becerra provided yet another great chance to work together on issues that matter to Armenian Americans,” stated Eagle Rock resident and ANC supporter Maurice Soudjian. “The ANC works hard to cultivate positive relationships with Members of the Congress – I sincerely appreciate the organization and the wonderful work it does in the community,” he added. “We always welcome the opportunity to sit down with Congressman Schiff to discuss important issues,” stated ANCA-WR Board Member Aida Dimejian. “There is much work to be done and we are counting down the days to when H. Res. 106 will make it to the House floor,” she added.

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: Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA-29) (center) is joined by ANCA-WR Board Member Aida Dimejian (left) and ANCA-WR Executive Director Andrew Kzirian (right).

Photo Caption #2: Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-CA-31) (center) is joined ANC activist Maurice Soudjian (left) and ANCA-WR Executive Director Andrew Kzirian (right).