Month: November 2009

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Professional Network of Colorado
Date: November 18, 2009
Contact: Kim Christianian
Telephone: (303) 588-5524
E-mail: [email protected]

ARMENIAN DELEGATION VISITS PARKER TOWN COUNCIL FOR CULTURAL EXCHANGE
AND LOCAL RESTAURANT OWNER HOST GROUP FOR TRADITIONAL ARMENIAN LUNCH

PARKER, CO, November 18th, 2009 — The International Visitor
Leadership Program (IVLP) landed in Parker with a group of mayors from
Armenia, a small country with a rich history spanning over 3000
years. The IVLP, a program of the US State Department, is designed to
build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries
through carefully designed visits that reflect the participants’
professional interests and support U.S. foreign policy goals. On
Monday, the Armenian delegation worked with the Mayor of Parker, David
Casiano, who shared the ambitious town plan with the Armenians. Later
the delegation was treated to a traditional Armenian lunch at Parker’s
premiere restaurant, Goga’s Mediterranean Cuisine. Restaurant owner
Goga Mesropian was thrilled to show his hospitality to the group which
included the Mayor of Parker and members of Armenians of Colorado
Inc. Vice President Sona Hedeshian and Hezik Hartoonian.
Last week, The Armenian Professional Network of Colorado, a
committee of Armenians of Colorado, Inc., welcomed the Armenian
delegation at a reception held in Denver. 45 guest from the local
Armenian community were present to meet with Mr. Aramayis Baghramyan,
member of Gyumri Council of City Representatives, Karen Grigoryan,
Mayor of Echmiadzin, Mr. Aghasi Hakobjanyan, Mayor of Sisian, and
Mr. Karen Ter-Lazarian, Deputy Mayor of Goris. `We are excited to
meet Armenians who live and work throughout Colorado,’ said
Mr. Hakobjanyan of Sisian, Armenia. `We’ve gained an appreciation of
the community in Colorado and will work towards strengthening
relations between Armenia and the United States.’
Earlier in the day the delegation visited the Colorado State
Capitol Building and toured the capitol grounds, including the
Armenian Garden where the Armenian Genocide Memorial Plaque is
located. Simon Maghakyan, Asst. Manager of Visitor Services at the
State Capitol conducted the tour.
Armenians of Colorado, Inc. (AOC) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit,
cultural organization charged with the purpose of creating a cohesive
Armenian community and to further the understanding of Armenian
history, culture, and heritage. For more information visit

For updates and photos visit the Armenian Professional Network of
Colorado Facebook page at
18

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

YEREVAN PRESS CLUB WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 13-19, 2009

HIGHLIGHTS:

"PRESS CLUB" CYCLE: INTELLECTUALS AND DEMOCRATIC REFORMS

AMENDMENTS TO RA CRIMINAL CODE, STIFFENING PENALTY FOR IMPEDING JOURNALISTIC
ACTIVITIES, APPROVED IN FIRST HEARING

DECISION RENDERED ON THE SUIT OF "GIND" PRINTING HOUSE VERSUS FOUNDER OF
"CHORRORD ISHKHANUTIUN" NEWSPAPER

"PRESS CLUB" CYCLE: INTELLECTUALS AND DEMOCRATIC REFORMS

On November 17, another "Press Club" show went on the air of "Yerkir Media"
TV company. The cycle is produced under Yerevan Press Club project,
supported by the Open Society Institute. The guests of the program host, YPC
President Boris Navasardian were Mayis Nikoghosian, Director of State
College of "Mkhitar Sebastatsi" Educational Complex, and Narineh Tukhikian,
Director of House-Museum of Hovhannes Tumanian. The discussion centered on
role of intellectuals in promoting democratic reforms.

The next "Press Club" show will be aired on "Yerkir Media" on November 24,
at 21.15.

AMENDMENTS TO RA CRIMINAL CODE, STIFFENING PENALTY FOR IMPEDING JOURNALISTIC
ACTIVITIES, APPROVED IN FIRST HEARING

On November 17 RA National Assembly approved the Draft Law "On the
Amendments and Supplements to the RA Criminal Code" in the first hearing.
The authors of the draft, NA deputies from "Orinats Yerkir" faction
Hovhannes Margarian and Heghineh Bisharian, presented an initiative on
supplementing Article 164 ("Impeding the Legitimate Professional Activities
of a Journalist") of RA Criminal Code. Namely, it was suggested that
impeding the legitimate professional activities of a journalist or forcing
the journalist, while on professional duties, to disseminate or not the
information, attended by either use of violence, or a threat of its use,
dangerous for the life and health of the journalist or a member of his/her
family, is to be sentenced by a fine of 250-450 minimum wage, or
correctional labor for not more than 2 years, or by imprisonment for not
more than 5 years.

The initiative is stipulated by a number of facts indicative of the scarce
degree of protection of journalists.

DECISION RENDERED ON THE SUIT OF "GIND" PRINTING HOUSE VERSUS FOUNDER OF
"CHORRORD ISHKHANUTIUN" NEWSPAPER

On November 16 court of general jurisdiction of Kentron and Nork-Marash
communities of Yerevan rendered decision on the suit of "Gind" printing
house versus "Chorrord Ishkhanutiun" newspaper founder, "Ogostos" LLC. As it
has been reported, the plaintiff demanded to oblige "Ogostos" to pay off the
debt for printing costs. At the session of November 5 the court secured the
plaintiff’s petition, banning the issue of "Chorrord Ishkhanutiun". A
number of journalistic associations considered the ban as infringement of
the right on free dissemination of information (see YPC Weekly Newsletter,
November 6-12, 2009).

According to the court decision released on November 16, the ban imposed on
the newspaper’s issue will be valid till the repayment of liabilities in the
amount of 2 million 673 thousand AMD (around $ 6,900).

Chief Editor of "Chorrord Ishkhanutiun" Shogher Matevosian informed YPC
about the intention to appeal the decision with the upper court
jurisdiction. According to Shogher Matevosian, "Ogostos" LLC does not owe
any debts to the printing house, moreover the founder itself has financial
claims to "Gind".

It should also be noted that the editorial office of "Chorrord Ishkhanutiun"
and its publisher, "Trespassers W." LLC, continue publishing a new daily,
called "Chorrord Inknishkhanutiun" (being issued since November 10).

When reprinting or using the information above, reference to the Yerevan
Press Club is required.

You are welcome to send any comment and feedback about the Newsletter to:
[email protected]

Subscription for the Newsletter is free. To subscribe or unsubscribe from
this mailing list, please send a message to: [email protected]

Editor of YPC Newsletter – Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
_____________________________________ _______
Yerevan Press Club
9B, Ghazar Parpetsi str.
0002, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+ 374 10) 53 00 67; 53 35 41; 53 76 62
Fax: (+374 10) 53 56 61
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site:

International week brings culture to campus

by Shayla Durrett, staff writer
November 18, 2009 2:07 PM

International students congregated around tables in the main quad
displaying tokens from their countries on Nov. 18 as part of SF
State’s 10th annual International Education Week to celebrate the
diversity of SF State.
"International Education Week is an opportunity to recognize
contributions of international students and visitors to our campus,"
said Marilyn Jackson, assistant director of the Office of
International Programs. Students from all over the world, including
Pakistan, Tajikistan and Armenia, gathered at the "Culture Fest" in
Malcolm X Plaza to showcase their culture with tables covered with
books and decorative items from their country.
"I want students to know about our history and culture," said Nairi
Kouyoumdjian, founder of the Armenian Student Association. "There’s 50
Armenian students on campus and as a minority we should be
represented."
Students from Afghanistan, dressed in traditional Afghanistan
clothing, displayed the Afghan flag and phrases in Afghan
languages. They played music and videos from the capitol city of
Kabul.
"People always think there’s war in Afghanistan, but we want to show
students our culture," said Suhaila Nishat, who moved from Kabul to
the United States in 2000.
Students from Turkey also used the event as a way to eradicate
misconceptions about their country.
"There are many false beliefs about the language and culture of Turkey
and I want to educate people on basic things," said Nefise
Kahraman. "It’s important to be with other nations on this day."
Traditional dancers from India, Iran and Armenia also performed dances
and traditional musical performances.
SF State dance student Karolyn Wyneken turned the plaza into her stage
as she belly danced in a traditional two-piece bellydancing outfit for
a crowd of students and professors.
The dancers were brought to SF State through International House, a
program of the College of Humanities that brings different cultures
together to learn about the diversity of different regions in the
world.
A group of students protesting the budget cuts marched through the
plaza as an Iranian performance started. The two dancers waited for
the protestors to march through before they began.
A dancer from Mumbai performed a Bollywood dance inspired by Indian
classical and folk music.
International Education Week was started in the United States during
fall 2000 as part of Bill Clinton’s initiative that called for an
international education policy in the country.
"SF State is deeply committed to promoting internationalism on campus
and preparing knowledgeable and competent graduates to lead the way in
a diverse and changing world," Jackson said.

» E-mail Shayla Durrett @ [email protected]
news/014059.html

PRESS RELEASE
Association for Trauma Outreach and Prevention
185 E 85 Street, New York, NY 10028
Email: [email protected]

You are invited to the 9th pre Holiday Interfaith

Spiritual Healing Circle &

Mind-Body-Spirit Festival

Friday, 4 December 2009, 7 PM

@

Fordham University @ Lincoln Center

113 W 60 Street (corner of 9th Avenue), NYC NY 10023

12th Floor Faculty Dining Room

Facilitator: Prof. Ani Kalayjian, Fordham University

Healing Faculty:

Opening Prayer: Fr O’Connell,

Interfaith Revs Julie Lira and Dana Mark:

Dr Majid Ali, Integrative Healer: Our Fermenting Planet,
[]
Orla O’Reilly Hazra: The Creative Unity of Tagore,

Marie Kahvejian: Hawaiian Huna Practice

Dr Kazuko Tatsumura Hillyer: A Gift from the Universe,

Armenian Historical Village

Dancing by Aradzani Dance Group

THE COLORS OF LIFE: Wellbeing Offerings & Cultural Peace Crafts

Bid on one of a kind handcrafted items

–ART—Integrated Healing Services–

Purchase DRAW Booklets from our representatives for a chance to win

Your extended donations support Meaningfulworld.com a 501 c 3 not for

profit organization working in Humanitarian Outreach – post trauma

healing locally and globally

Nurturing our Mind-Body-Soul– International

Culinary Delights served

Gratitude to our Co-sponsors: Fordham University Psychology
Association; Association for Trauma Outreach & Prevention (ATOP);

Armenian American Society for Studies on Stress & Genocide; Psi Chi New

York Chapter; SPSSI NY, Meaningfulworld.com, and The Colors of Life. We

thank our neighboring 9th Avenue Restaurants & Local Establishments for
their ongoing support

Admission is free for Fordham students:

Others $15 only

For information contact Professor Kalayjian at 201 941-2266

E-mail: [mailto:[email protected]] [email protected]

Meaningfulworld Humanitarian OutreachProject (MHOP)
Utilizing the Biopsychosocial and Eco Spiritual Model

Training Schedule in The Republic of Armenia

[]

New York, NY: The Association for Trauma Outreach and Prevention (ATOP)
has organized the third team of the Mental Health Outreach Project (MHOP)
in Armenia from 18-27 Nov. Dr. Ani Kalayjian and Jennifer De Mucci,
President and Research Coordinator for ATOP, respectively, will be
delivering the Empowerment portion of the mission to Armenia. While Dr.
Kathy Tiner and Kathryn Mendoza will be conducting the Learning disability
training program. On the first day they will be conducting the empowerment
training project, and the second day the Special Education Workshop. They
will also deliver lectures; work with refugees from Iraq, visit orphanages,
and set agendas for collaborative research and future trainings. This MHOP
team will be conducting training at the Stress Center, the Mental Health
Foundation Center, and the FAR Children’s Center. They will train the
personnel, social workers, and psychologists in preventative and
restoration methods for treating children with trauma. They will utilize
Dr. Kalayjian’s Biopsychosocial & Eco Spiritual Model to administer the
program.
The team will present their work to the Office of UN High Commissioner for
Refugees in Yerevan who are working with the Iraqi refugees migrated to
Armenia.
The team will visit various children’s centers (previously called
orphanages) as part of second phase of a 10-year follow-up mission to
observe progress and development. Donations of clothing and supplies from
several generous individuals will be given out at these centers.
Currently ATOP has undertaken the Sponsor an Armenian Child Project: By
donating $250, you can help support a child for one year, including food,
clothing, and education. Please send your tax-deductible donations to ATOP
and make a difference in a child’s life, or support this outreach
project. Mail your checks to ATOP, subject: Sponsor Armenian Child, 139
Cedar Street, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010-1003, or visit our website at
[] meaningfulworld.com
This message was sent by: Association for Trauma Outreach and
Prevention, 185 E 85 Street, New York, NY 10028

PRESS RELEASE

Armenian Sisters Academy
440 Upper Gulph Road
Radnor, PA 19087

Contact: Susan Pogharian
Tel: 610-757-7090
Fax: 610-687-2450
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

YEPOYAN TO EXHIBIT AT PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART
Armenian Cultural Day Celebrated as Part of Gorky Retrospective

In the early 1990s when Armenian artist Armen Yepoyan saw the
masterpieces of his fellow countryman, Vosdanig Manoog Adoian (Arshile
Gorky), on display at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, for
the first time, he was awe struck and inspired. Immediately he found
himself absorbed by the mixture of forms, inventive lines, intensity and
tenderness of Gorky’s drawings and paintings. Yepoyan experienced an
over-whelming sense of pride as well, based alone on the fact that the
Armenian Genocide survivor and self-taught artist became such an
influential figure in modern art history.

A loyal follower of Gorky’s art ever since, Yepoyan attended every
single museum and gallery exhibition of his works along the East coast.
In Gorky, he found a mentor and powerful source of inspiration, and one
who shared the same background, as Yepoyan’s maternal grandfather was
also from Van. During his ten years of residence in the nation’s
capital, Yepoyan’s visits to the museums were frequent, and he would
often find himself spending hours in front of his favorite Gorky
drawings and paintings. It was at this time that Yepoyan’s own career
as an artist in the US began to take off, with his abstract series in
particular showing a heavy influence of Gorky’s art.

It was this influence that lead to an invitation from the Philadelphia
Museum of Art, asking Yepoyan to exhibit his artwork as part of an event
running alongside the Arshile Gorky: a Retrospective exhibition,
currently running through January 10, 2010. The museum wants to
incorporate Yepoyan in a special `Armenian Cultural Day’ event
taking place on Sunday, December 6, 2009, giving Yepoyan an especially
meaningful opportunity to have his own artwork presented in conjunction
with his master’s show. `When I got the call, I immediately
thought what a wonderful and unique opportunity I’ve been given, to be
associated with my favorite artist’, admits Yepoyan.

These days, Yepoyan is no stranger to the museum or to the Armenian
community of Philadelphia, having moved to the city’s suburbs five
years ago with his family for one major reason – to send his children
to the Armenian Sisters Academy in Radnor, PA. Its reputation for
academic excellence, enriched by Armenian language and culture, made the
relocation an easy decision for the artist and his wife. It also opened
another door for Yepoyan: to mentor and inspire others creatively –
his mentorees now fondly referred to as his 1st – 8th grade students.

When Armen Yepoyan joined the faculty of the Armenian Sisters Academy as
the new art teacher three years ago, very few families and students knew
what they were in store for. But students soon came to enjoy the
soothing music and relaxed atmosphere in his sunny classroom. Expressing
their creativity comes easily thanks to Yepoyan’s style and approach,
which allow his students a small reprieve in their structured day. `I
try to create an environment that will allow our students to be
motivated and excited about art, a place where they are able to express
there feelings, emotions and thoughts through their art’ explains
Yepoyan. `Of course, this past month leading up to the retrospective
exhibition, I’ve done my best to impart the appreciation and pride I
have for Gorky’s work upon my students. The halls of our school are
adorned with their renditions of his masterpieces, as our very own
`Ode to Arshile Gorky’ exhibition’, he adds. Yepoyan’s artwork
can be viewed by visiting To learn more about the
Armenian Sisters Academy, see

# # #

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
November 19, 2009
Contact: Press Department 
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY WELCOMES SENATE MAJORITY LEADER REID’S SUPPORT OF
THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION

Washington, DC – Today, the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly)
welcomed news that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has agreed
to cosponsor S. Res. 316, the Armenian Genocide Resolution.
 
In a letter sent to Reid last week the Assembly thanked the Senator
for his past support of U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide
and urged the Senator to cosponsor S. Res. 316, introduced by Senators
Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and John Ensign (R-NV).
 
The letter read in part, "By affirming the truth in the face of
denial, you will help contribute to the cause of genocide education
and prevention, and give true meaning to the words ‘never again.’  We
look forward to working with you in helping to secure successful
passage of this important human rights legislation this Congress
before the few remaining survivors are no longer with us."
 
"Senator Reid has consistently supported legislation affirming the
Armenian Genocide," said Assembly Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Hirar Hovnanian. "With his leadership role in the U.S. Senate as
Majority Leader, his addition to the resolution greatly strengthens
the growing list of cosponsors."
 
The Assembly letter also reiterated the importance of bringing this
important human rights legislation to a successful vote in the
Senate.  S. Res. 316 mirrors the House version, H. Res. 252,
introduced by Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) and George Radanovich
(R-CA), along with Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Frank
Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL), which currently has over 130
cosponsors and is pending before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
 
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public
understanding and awareness of Armenian issues.  It is a 501(c)(3)
tax-exempt membership organization.

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Assembly of America
November 19, 2009
Contact: Press Department
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434 

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY NORTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL COUNCIL HOSTS INAUGURAL
EVENT

Oakland, CA – The Northern California Regional Council (Council),
comprised of community activists under the Armenian Assembly
(Assembly) umbrella, hosted its inaugural event since its recent
formation in September.  Members of the Armenian professional
community from the Bay Area attended and discussed current issues at
the home of Council member and host Alison Ekizian.  In addition to
Ekizian, Council members include Kim Bardakian, Julie Kulhanjian
Strauch, Valina Agbabian, David Ojakian and Peter Kalagian-Federico.

Assembly Western Region Director Yeghig Keshishian briefed the Council
about Armenia-Turkey rapprochement and the Protocols signed last month
in Switzerland. In addition to making it clear that the Protocols and
the Nagorno Karabakh (NKR) negotiations are two separate processes,
Keshishian discussed the Assembly’s and community’s concerns regarding
attempts by Turkey to link the NKR peace process to the Protocols or
as a way to avoid U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide.

"Rapprochement between Armenia and Turkey is an issue separate from
U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide," stated Keshishian. "As
this process continues, our focus will continue to be educating
Members of Congress on current developments and the continued need to
combat genocide denial through passage of H.Res. 252," Keshishian
continued.

"It was helpful to hear from Keshishian on the steps the Assembly is
taking to combat Turkey’s aggressive lobbying attempts in this
country," stated Ekizian.  "The Council shares Keshishian’s sentiments
that Turkey needs to act in good faith and come to terms with its
past. The Protocols offer an opportunity to apply pressure on Turkey
as it seeks to balance its eastward orientation towards the Muslim
world and its westward desires toward joining the European family. The
Northern California Regional Council will continue to play a direct
role in raising awareness of important issues affecting U.S.-Armenia
relations by hosting an assortment of social networking and
professional events to support the Assembly in its outreach efforts in
the Bay Area," added Ekizian. 

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public
understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a
501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

HOVIK ABRAHAMYAN: RA CONTROL CHAMBER ENJOYS LEGISLATIVE AND PRACTICAL INDEPENDENCE

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
19.11.2009 18:36 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ National Assembly Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan has today
received EUROSAI Chairman Yatsek Yazersky, Head of the Supreme Chamber
of Poland. Welcoming the guest, Aabrahamyan attached high importance
to Armenian-Polish cooperation, as well as Armenia’s participation
in the activities of European organizations.

During the meeting, Armenian Speaker expressed satisfaction with RA
Control Chamber and drew the guest’s attention to the legislative and
practical guarantees ensuring Chamber’s independence. Hovik Abrhamyan
detailed cooperation between RA National Assembly and Control Chamber,
highlighting its importance as a mechanism of effective control
over the country’s Parliament. Present at the meeting was Head of RA
Control Chamber Ishkhan Zakaryan, RA NA press service reports.

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Assembly of America
November 19, 2009
Contact: Press Department
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434

ARMENIAN CAUCUS MEMBERSHIP GROWS TO 148

Assembly’s efforts bring Representatives Murphy and Wamp on board

Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) welcomed
the official announcement that Representatives Chris Murphy (D-CT) and
Zach Wamp (R-TN) have joined the Congressional Caucus on Armenian
Issues – bringing the total Caucus membership to 148 Members to date.

Congressman Murphy is currently serving his second term representing
Connecticut’s Fifth District and is a cosponsor of H. Res. 252, the
Armenian Genocide Resolution. He serves on the Energy and Commerce
Committee and its Health and Telecommunications Subcommittees. He also
serves on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and its
National Security and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee.

Reelected to a seventh term in office, Congressman Wamp cosponsored
H. Res. 106, the Armenian Genocide Resolution last Congress. A member
of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, Representative Wamp is
in a unique position to help ensure robust funding to Armenia to help
offset the economic impact of Turkey’s ongoing blockade.

"The Assembly advocacy efforts continue to yield results on Capitol
Hill," said Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "We look forward to
working with Representatives Murphy and Wamp to further strengthen the
U.S.-Armenia relationship. With the bold steps Armenia has taken
toward rapprochement with Turkey, America has an important role to
play in ensuring that Turkey lifts its blockade and normalizes
relations with Armenia without any preconditions," Ardouny added.

The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
y

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. (202) 775-1918
Fax. (202) 775-5648
Email. [email protected]
Internet

PRESS RELEASE

November 19, 2009
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER TO COSPONSOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION

— Decision by Senator Reid Comes in the Wake of Senate Week
in the ANCA "Countdown to Erdogan" Campaign

WASHINGTON, DC – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has
informed the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) that he
will once again support legislation calling for U.S. reaffirmation
of the Armenian Genocide.

"We want to offer our appreciation to Majority Leader Reid for
joining with his colleagues in supporting this legislative effort
to put America on the right side of the Armenian Genocide issue,"
said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. "We look
forward to working with Senator Reid and our other friends in the
leadership of the Senate and the Foreign Relations Committee as the
Armenian Genocide Resolution moves to a Committee vote and adoption
by the full Senate."

Spearheaded by Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and John Ensign (R-NV),
the Armenian Genocide resolution (S.Res.316) also enjoys the early
support of Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Russ Feingold (D-WI),
Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse
(D-RI).

Senator Reid’s cosponsorship comes as Armenian Americans across the
country continue to participate in the ANCA "Countdown to Erdogan"
campaign – a four-week, grassroots campaign urging President Obama
to speak truthfully about the Armenian Genocide when he meets on
December 7th with Turkey’s Prime Minister Erdogan. The first week
of the campaign focused on Senate action, with thousands sending
ANCA WebMails and participating in a national call in day to Senate
offices in support of S.Res.316.

On each day until December 7th, the ANCA is organizing a new action
– ranging from online advocacy, call-in days, social networking,
coalition-building, community outreach, and fieldwork. Information
on the campaign is posted at

Last month, Majority Leader Reid formally shared the reservations
of the Silver State’s Armenian community regarding the dangers of
the recently signed Turkey-Armenia Protocols with Secretary of
State Hillary Clinton.

In a October 30, 2009 letter to ANCA-Nevada activist Razmig
Libarian, the Senate leader reported that he had recently written
to Secretary Clinton to pass along the concerns of his state’s
citizens of Armenian heritage, and to encourage her to meet
directly with the national leadership of the Armenian American
community regarding the state of Turkey-Armenia relations.