PRESS RELEASE
ANC, NORA
82 Wall Street, Suite 300
New York, NY 10005
Contact: Chris Parnagian
Tel: (212) 425-1401
Fax: (212) 425-1421
E-mail: [email protected]
New York Armenian-Americans Host Reception for Native Son, Rep. John Sweeney
NEW YORK, NY – Armenian-Americans from throughout New York gathered at the
home of Chris and Lisa Parnagian on Monday, March 27 for a fundraising
reception for one of the Armenian Cause’s strongest Congressional
supporters, U.S. Representative John Sweeney (R-NY). The ANC of New York,
The Friends of ANC and the National Organization of Republican Armenians
(NORA) co-sponsored the reception.
The highlight of the event was a moving speech by the Congressman about his
Armenian heritage and his devotion to the Armenian Cause. Reflecting on his
own family’s experience, he noted that, “My grandfather Oscar, who survived
the genocide, would be deeply moved if saw me here today speaking with
you – my people – about how we will work to see the Armenian Genocide
recognized. The greatest democracy in the world has an obligation to speak
the truth about the enormous crime perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire against
our ancestors. I’m not resting until it does.”
Also offering remarks during the evening were Chris Parnagian and Robert
Setrakian, who co-chaired the event, Doug Geogerian representing the
Armenian National Committee of America – Eastern Region (ANCA-ER), ANCA
Executive Director Aram Hamparian, and Antranik Boudakian, from the Friends
of the ANC.
Co-chair Chris Parnagian, on behalf of his family, welcomed the Congressman,
his wife Gayle, and daughter Kelly to their home, and shared his pride with
all in attendance at the highly respected public service of a fellow
Armenian-American. Robert Setrakian, who joined with his wife Silvia in
co-chairing the program along with the Parnagians, noted that the “The
Congressman’s record speaks of incredible integrity and of personal
dedication. Our communities across the United States must support a fellow
Armenian-American, who has accomplished so much in government.” He added,
“I’m sure grandfather Oscar would be incredibly proud today, and even
prouder, if you one day became Co-Chairman of the Armenian Caucus.” “The
community is so eager to support you, Congressman. You have done so much
towards strengthening U.S.-Armenia relations already. Please know that we
stand ready to help you in anyway we can,” said Friends of ANC
representative Antranig Boudakian.
ANCA Regional Director Doug Geogerian reminded guests that, “Congressman
Sweeney sits on the powerful Foreign Operations Subcommittee, which has
overseen the appropriation of over a billion and a half dollars in aid to
Armenia. As a Republican, he has been willing to forcefully challenge his
party’s own leadership on their refusal to allow a vote on Armenian Genocide
legislation. As Armenian-Americans, we owe it our community, our cause, and
our nation to provide Congressman Sweeney with our energetic support.
ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian stressed how proud Armenian-Americans
are that the Congressman – in addition to helping to secure increased aid to
Armenia, continued aid to Karabagh, and military aid parity for Armenia and
Azerbaijan – helped to write the legislation for the Millennium Challenge
Account, which earlier that day granted $235 million to build roads and
irrigation systems in rural Armenia. Hamparian urged all in attendance to
encourage increased support for the Congressman as he rises in seniority and
influence in the political system.
Among the community leaders form various organizations was the Very Reverend
Father Anoushavan Tanielian, representing Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan of the
Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, who was in Washington, D.C. for
the signing at the State Department of a new foreign aid agreement with
Armenia. Hrachia Tashchian, the Counselor for Armenia’s Mission to the U.N.,
represented Ambassador Armen Martirosyan, who was unable to attend due to
urgent diplomatic developments.
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