PRESS RELEASE
Date: April 6 2007
Armenian National Committee of America
Eastern Region
P.O. Box 1066, New York, NY
Contact: Karine Birazian
Tel: [email protected]
CAROLINA ACTIVISTS MEET WITH REPRESENTATIVES TO ENCOURAGE SUPPORT
FOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION
Greenville, S.C. & Charlotte, N.C.- In efforts to expand Armenian
activism in growing communities Armenian National Committee-Eastern
Region Executive Director, Karine Birazian, visited with Armenians
in Greenville, South Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Together, they met with staffers for Senator Jim DeMint (NC-R), and
Congressmen Bob Inglis (SC-R-4), Sue Myrick (NC-R-09), and Mel Watt
(NC-D-12) in their district offices to discuss the Armenian
genocide legislation, the genocide in Darfur, and other foreign
policy matters, reported the ANC-Eastern Region.
Upon the warm arrival in Greenville, South Carolina, Birazian met
with activists Haro and Mariam Setian and three generations of the
Enjaian family: Mike, his son Steve, and two children, Bethany and
Andrew, who spent the afternoon visiting the staff from both Rep.
Inglis and Senator DeMint’s offices. Birazian, along with others
in the meeting, had an opportunity to spend time educating the
staff about the Armenian genocide, the need for the passage of an
Armenian genocide resolution as well as urging both offices to make
a moral decision and do the right thing.
Birazian also enjoyed the warm company of other Armenians and non-
Armenians in South Carolina during a community gathering on current
Armenian issues. Following the events, Setian commented, "We were
grateful for the warm reception that DeMint and Ingis’ office
showed us; our main concern is that justice be served. We, as
American citizens, can talk a good game about equality and justice,
but we need to follow through."
Similar to the meeting with activists in South Carolina, prior to
the congressional meetings in Charlotte, Birazian met with several
community members and spent the afternoon discussing key issues
facing the Armenian American communities today. From utilization
of the ANCA website to empowering them to take action, the trip was
an opportunity get to know members of both communities.
Joining Birazian at Rep. Myrick’s and Watt’s offices were community
members Jack Hagopian, Pierre Arbajian, Charles Diamond, Dr. Sylvie
Bastajian, and Dr. David Boyajian. The delegation had an
opportunity to meet with the staff of the two congressional offices
and spent time discussing many issues of concern to the Armenians
of Charlotte as well as the various activities they are
undertaking. The many issues raised during the meeting was of H.
Res. 106, divestment issues in Darfur, the ongoing blockade in
Armenia, and the support for foreign aid to Armenia. Jack
Hagopian, a community leader and retired military officer,
discussed efforts the Armenian community of Charlotte is pursuing,
including a health fair that was organized by the Church last year
by Bastajian and the growing population of Armenians, both new
immigrants and retirees that are settling in the Charlotte area.
Hagopian also shared the recent article printed in the Charlotte
Observer about the Armenian community and the need to pass this
legislation.
"It is impossible to believe that in today’s America intelligent
Americans would make the choice not to speak out on an issue like
genocide. This is no different than those Turks who stood by as
this happened in their country. Although the Armenian genocide
happened almost a hundred years ago, these `leaders’ make
themselves complicit with the leaders of the Ottoman Government in
1915…I am proud that the Armenian community, having suffered
through such a horrific event, has not just focused on themselves
but has tried to teach about how these horrific acts develop and
attempted to stop those events occurring today," commented
Hagopian.
Reflecting on her trip, Birazian stated, "This was a wonderful
opportunity to meet Armenians and non-Armenians in both Greenville
and Charlotte and discuss what the ANCA does, and how they can take
part in the Armenian cause. I welcome their enthusiasm and thank
them for their generous hospitality. I look forward to continue to
work with both communities to build a strong foundation of
activism."
Following Birazian’s visit, Dr. Sam Danagoulian from Greensboro, NC
joined the ANCA and the Genocide Intervention Network during their
Washington, D.C. grassroots advocacy campaign to end the cycle of
genocide. During his visit, Danagoulian and ANCA activists visited
all 13 North Carolina Congressional offices and had an opportunity
to meet with Senator Burr’s office to raise awareness about the
Armenian Genocide and divestment issues in Darfur. Currently the
genocide legislation, H. Res. 106, has 184 cosponsors in the House
and the resolution in the senate, S. Res. 106, mirrors the house
resolution has 26 cosponsors.
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.
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Photos
Armenian activists from SC, and ANC ER Director Karine Birazian
joining Legislative Director Assistant Dr. Brenda Ballard,
Constituent Liaison Manager Julie Wilson for Rep. Bob Inglis’
office
Left to Right: Jack Hagopian, ANC ER Director Karine Birazian,
Dr. Sylvie Bastajian, Chief of Staff, Hal Weatherman for Rep. Sue
Myrick’s office, Pierre Arbajian, and Charles Diamond
ANC ER Director Karine Birazian, along with NC Activists Dr.
Sylvie Bastajian, Pierre Arbajian, Jack Hagopian, Dr. David
Boyajian and Community Liaison, Torre Jessup for Rep. Mel Watt