<LOS ANGELES, CA – The Hollywood Chapter of the Armenian National Committee (ANC) met with U.S. Representative Diane Watson (D-CA) this week in her Los Angeles district office to discuss issues of concern to the local Armenian American community. The ANC delegation was led by the Chairman of the Hollywood ANC, Garo Ispendjian.

During the meeting, the ANC expressed appreciation for the Congresswoman’s record of support for Armenian American issues. Numerous topics were discussed including Armenian Genocide legislation, the railway projects in the Caucasus, Armenia’s growing economy, and the recall of U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Marshall Evans.

Mr. Ispendjian, who is also a constituent of Rep. Watson, briefed the Congresswoman about the firing of Ambassador Evans and the delay of Ambassador-designate Richard Hoagland’s confirmation as ambassador to Armenia. Congresswoman Watson agreed to join her colleagues in writing a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, asking the State Department to respond to a series of questions, including specific inquiries about reports that Ambassador Evans had been recalled due to accurately describing the Armenian Genocide as a genocide.

“Congresswoman Diane Watson has always been a strong supporter of the Armenian American community. She is always ready to listen to the concerns of the community, understand the issues, and properly represent her constituents in Congress,” said Ispendjian.

Since taking office in 2002, Rep. Watson has been a member of the Armenian Caucus and has cosponsored numerous resolutions in favor of Armenian Genocide recognition, economic support of Armenia through trade, and ending Turkey’s blockade of Armenia. Three of the most recent pieces of legislation that she has supported are the Armenian Genocide resolutions, H.Res. 316 and H.Con.Res. 195, and South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act, H.R. 3361.

The ANCA 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.

Editor’s Note: Photos attached. Photo 1 caption: ANCA-WR Intern Sossi Mahroukian, ANC Hollywood Chairman Garo Ispendjian, Congresswoman Diane Watson, ANCA-WR Staff Lerna Kayserian.