Armenian National Committee – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
Fax: 818.246.7353
ancwr@anca.org

PRESS RELEASE

April 18, 2008
Contact: Ani Garabedian

*ANCA-WR Joins Los Angeles City Council in Armenian Genocide Commemoration*

*Los Angeles, CA* – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western
Region (ANCA-WR) attended a special session of the Los Angeles City Council
commemorating the 93rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on April 18,
2008. The event was hosted by the Los Angeles City Council, led by City
Council President Eric Garcetti (District 13) and City Council President Pro
Tempore Wendy Greuel (District 2). During the ceremony the LA City Council
issued a proclamation on the occasion of this commemoration.

"The city council of Los Angeles’ commitment and leadership serves as an
example to human rights activists and all levels of government throughout
the country," stated ANC-WR Executive Director Antranig Kzirian. "Today’s
statement is a reminder that the consequences of genocide and its denial
remain with us to this day – and that the gag rule that Turkey has placed on
the United States must be lifted," he added.

Attending the event on behalf of the ANCA-WR were Board Members Pattyl
Aposhian-Kasparian, Vahagn Thomassian and Souzi Zerounian-Khanzadian. They
were joined by ANCA-WR Community Relations Director Haig Hovsepian, ANCA-WR
Press Secretary Ani Garabedian and ANCA-WR Executive Director Andrew Kzirian
who delivered remarks to city council members and those in attendance.

During their remarks, Council Members Garcetti and Greuel noted the
importance of remembering and recognizing the Armenian Genocide and in turn
appropriately confronting the genocide in Darfur today.

Also, in attendance were members of the Armenian community including,
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian of the Western Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of Armenia, Armenian Relief Society Representative
Rima Boghossian, Armenian Youth Federation Western Region Central Executive
Chairman Caspar Jivalagian, Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles Armen
Liloyan, ANC Hollywood Representative Harout Beshlian, and a large number of
students from Rose and Alex Piliobos Armenian School.

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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Photo caption #1: Council President Eric Garcetti (center), joined by
members of the Armenian community of Los Angeles.

Photo caption #2: Council President Pro Tempore, Wendy Greuel (center),
joined by members of the Armenian community of Los Angeles.