Tweet
Armenian National Committee of America - Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]
www.anca.org
PRESS RELEASE
July 22, 2008
Contact: Ani Garabedian
Assemblymember Portantino Discusses Turkey's Genocide Denial with
Armenian Americans
Pasadena, CA - In a meeting with Assemblymember Anthony Portantino,
members of the Armenian National Committee of America - Western Region
(ANCA-WR) discussed several issues of importance to Armenian
Americans. The Assemblymember reiterated that it is unacceptable for
Turkey to continue its international campaign of genocide denial.
Also discussed was the Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) position on the
Armenian Genocide and the recent expose by the Southern Poverty Law
Center highlighting the Turkish government's interference in Armenian
domestic academia and politics which can be found on the internet at:
http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/art icle.jsp?aid`3.
"It's always a pleasure to meet with the leadership and grassroots
activists of the ANC," stated Portantino. "The opportunity to discuss
issues important to the Armenian community in my district is
incredibly valuable and deeply appreciated," he added.
Among those in attendance were Amy Kaladzhyan and Shant Karnikian, two
of the seven ANC-WR Internship Externship Program (ANC-WR IEP)
interns. They explained that since meeting with the Assemblymember in
Sacramento for the State Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in
April 2008, they had been very active in human rights activities in
Santa Barbara.
"Today's meeting was a great opportunity for us to realize that our
Assemblymembers care about issues pertaining to human rights and take
the time out of their busy schedules to meet with us on these
matters," said Kaladzhyan. "We definitely appreciate the positive and
encouraging feedback we received from Asm. Portantino," she added.
Asm. Portantino expressed that he is looking forward to the visit of
Armenia's Minister of Education Spartak Seiranyan. The Assemblymember
currently serves as the Chair of the Assembly's Committee on Higher
Education and will play a pivotal role in engaging California
institutions of higher education, laboratories and industry giants.
ANC of Crescenta Valley activist Arick Gevorkian thanked Portantino
for his support and close relationship with the Crescenta Valley
community. "It was very pleasing to see what the ANC has achieved as
far as building relationships with legislators, Assemblymembers and
Congressman," stated Gevorkian. "Asm. Portantino has always welcomed
us and this is a result of years of relationships building. His
sincerity and commitment to the Armenian American community is truly
admirable and he a strong voice for our community," he added.
Assemblymember Anthony Portantino was elected to serve the 44th
Assembly District in November, 2006. The district encompasses
Altadena, Duarte, La Canada Flintridge, Pasadena, South Pasadena and
Temple City. Portantino has been a long time friend and supporter of
the Armenian National Committee and the Armenian American Community in
large.
###
Photo caption: Assemblymember Anthony Portantino joined by ANC-WR team.
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]
www.anca.org
PRESS RELEASE
July 22, 2008
Contact: Ani Garabedian
Assemblymember Portantino Discusses Turkey's Genocide Denial with
Armenian Americans
Pasadena, CA - In a meeting with Assemblymember Anthony Portantino,
members of the Armenian National Committee of America - Western Region
(ANCA-WR) discussed several issues of importance to Armenian
Americans. The Assemblymember reiterated that it is unacceptable for
Turkey to continue its international campaign of genocide denial.
Also discussed was the Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) position on the
Armenian Genocide and the recent expose by the Southern Poverty Law
Center highlighting the Turkish government's interference in Armenian
domestic academia and politics which can be found on the internet at:
http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/art icle.jsp?aid`3.
"It's always a pleasure to meet with the leadership and grassroots
activists of the ANC," stated Portantino. "The opportunity to discuss
issues important to the Armenian community in my district is
incredibly valuable and deeply appreciated," he added.
Among those in attendance were Amy Kaladzhyan and Shant Karnikian, two
of the seven ANC-WR Internship Externship Program (ANC-WR IEP)
interns. They explained that since meeting with the Assemblymember in
Sacramento for the State Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in
April 2008, they had been very active in human rights activities in
Santa Barbara.
"Today's meeting was a great opportunity for us to realize that our
Assemblymembers care about issues pertaining to human rights and take
the time out of their busy schedules to meet with us on these
matters," said Kaladzhyan. "We definitely appreciate the positive and
encouraging feedback we received from Asm. Portantino," she added.
Asm. Portantino expressed that he is looking forward to the visit of
Armenia's Minister of Education Spartak Seiranyan. The Assemblymember
currently serves as the Chair of the Assembly's Committee on Higher
Education and will play a pivotal role in engaging California
institutions of higher education, laboratories and industry giants.
ANC of Crescenta Valley activist Arick Gevorkian thanked Portantino
for his support and close relationship with the Crescenta Valley
community. "It was very pleasing to see what the ANC has achieved as
far as building relationships with legislators, Assemblymembers and
Congressman," stated Gevorkian. "Asm. Portantino has always welcomed
us and this is a result of years of relationships building. His
sincerity and commitment to the Armenian American community is truly
admirable and he a strong voice for our community," he added.
Assemblymember Anthony Portantino was elected to serve the 44th
Assembly District in November, 2006. The district encompasses
Altadena, Duarte, La Canada Flintridge, Pasadena, South Pasadena and
Temple City. Portantino has been a long time friend and supporter of
the Armenian National Committee and the Armenian American Community in
large.
###
Photo caption: Assemblymember Anthony Portantino joined by ANC-WR team.