ASSEMBLY THIS WEEK Monday, September 12, 2005
ASSEMBLY MEETS WITH ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT SPEAKER DURING HIS U.S. VISIT
An Assembly delegation led by Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair
Hovnanian met with Arthur Baghdasaryan, Speaker of the Armenian
Parliament, in New York last week. The meeting, which also included
Board of Trustees Treasurer Edele Hovnanian, Board of Directors Chairman
Anthony Barsamian, Board of Directors Member Van Krikorian and Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny, focused on building stronger U.S.-Armenia
relations and democratic reforms in Armenia including anti-corruption
efforts.
The Assembly also briefed the Speaker on key legislative issues and
participated with him in various meetings with U.S. government officials
in Washington. Baghdasaryan met with U.S. State Department officials
and several lawmakers including House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL),
House Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier (R-CA), Minority Leader
Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Armenian
Caucus Co-Chairs Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ),
among others.
"Armenia has a proud history and is committed to engagement with its
neighbors to promote democracy and regional trade," Dreier said in a
news release. "Speaker Baghdasaryan and I agreed that democracy is
critical to security and stability in the region. I was proud to welcome
the Speaker to the Capitol and look forward to working with him on his
efforts in the future."
REP. GUTIERREZ JOINS THE ARMENIAN CAUCUS
At the urging of the Armenian Assembly, Congressman Luis Gutierrez
(D-IL) joined the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues last week,
bringing the total Caucus membership to 147.
The Congressman is a strong supporter of U.S. reaffirmation of the
Armenian Genocide and has cosponsored legislation that would properly
recognize this crime against humanity.
Board of Directors Vice Chair Lisa Esayian said the Assembly is pleased
that Congressman Gutierrez will be part of this very important body.
"As a Chicago resident, I have witnessed firsthand the Congressman's
efforts on behalf of his constituents and know he will be an effective
member of the Caucus."
Gutierrez is also a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and
serves on the House Financial Services and Veterans' Affairs Committees.
AS CONGRESS RECONVENES, ASSEMBLY RALLIES SUPPORT FOR LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
The Armenian Assembly stepped up its advocacy efforts last week as
Members of the House and Senate reconvened following a month-long summer
recess.
Congressional Relations Director Rob Mosher reported that the
pan-Armenian Genocide resolution, H.R. 316, continues to gain momentum
with nearly 120 cosponsors to date. The bill is scheduled for
consideration by Chairman Henry Hyde's (R-IL) influential House
International Relations Committee later this week.
Additionally, the Assembly is helping drum up support for the South
Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act, known as H.R. 3361. The
legislation, which has the support of 25 cosponsors to date, would bar
U.S. assistance for a proposed rail link connecting Turkey, Georgia and
Azerbaijan. Last week, Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues
Co-Chairs Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ)
circulated a letter to their House colleagues urging them to support
this bipartisan measure.
The Foreign Operations bill, which will determine the level of funding
Armenia and Karabakh receive next year, is also among the Assembly's
legislative priorities. The House and Senate are expected to reconcile
their differences in a conference committee in the coming weeks.
AMB. GABRIELIAN TO BE FEATURED GUEST AT NEXT MONTH'S MISSION RECEPTION
The Assembly announced this week that Armenian Ambassador to Great
Britain Vahe Gabrielian will be the featured guest at a special Mission
reception in Kensington, London on October 18.
The event marks the unofficial kick-off to the Assembly's 10th
anniversary Trustees Mission to Armenia and Karabakh, led by Board of
Directors Vice Chair Annie Totah. The deadline to register for the
Mission trip is Friday, September 16.
The 12-day excursion will include tours in and around Armenia, meetings
with U.S. and Armenia government officials and an optional two-day trip
to Nagorno Karabakh. A special International Banquet honoring the
strong U.S.-Armenia relationship will also be held on October 22.
For more information or to make your reservations, please contact
Development and Membership Deputy Director Rita Mullane in Washington at
(202) 393-3434, or via email at [email protected].
GENOCIDE DOCUMENTARY NOMINATED FOR EMMY
An Armenian Genocide documentary entitled "Armenian Genocide: 90 Years
Later" featuring Assembly supporters including Minnesota State Chair Lou
Ann Matossian, Chacke Yeterian Scallen and Fellow Trustee Massis
Yeterian, was nominated for an Emmy Award last week.
The hour-long program was produced by Twin Cities Public Television and
the University of Minnesota Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies,
with funding from the Cafesjian Family Foundation.
University of Minnesota historians Taner Akcam, Stephen Feinstein and
Eric Weitz, as well as Harriet Balian, are featured. The award will be
announced on October 22.
NEWS & NOTES
* Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny last week participated in
the 58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference "Our Challenge: Voices for Peace,
Partnerships and Renewal" at the United Nations in New York. The
three-day event, which included panel discussions and workshops, brought
together representatives from more than 80 countries to voice their
views of the Millennium Development Goals, peace and security, human
rights and strengthening the United Nations.
* Western Office Director Lena Kaimian and Reverend Datev Tatatoulian of
St. John Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church last Saturday met with
Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-CA) to discuss the South Caucasus
Integration and Open Railroads Act, among other issues.
GET ASSEMBLY THIS WEEK ELECTRONICALLY!
Receive Assembly This Week in your inbox! In an effort to increase our
efficiency and better serve our members, readers can receive an
electronic version of this publication as an alternative to the printed
version. Those who are interested should send their email addresses to
Rita Mullane at [email protected].
Calendar of Events
10/19-11/1: Annual Mission to Armenia & NKR
10/22: International Banquet; Yerevan, Armenia
11/13: Capital Regional Holiday Reception; DC
3/26: Annual Board of Trustees Meeting; DC
3/26-3/28: 2006 National Conference & Banquet; DC
************************************************** ***************
A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED BY THE ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA
1140 19th Street, N.W., Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20036 (202) 393-3434
FAX (202) 638-4904
E-Mail: [email protected] WEB http://www.armenianassembly.org
************************************************** ***************
Join the ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA for the
10th Anniversary Trustee Mission to Armenia & Nagorno Karabakh
October 19 through November 1, 2005
And attend the First International Banquet Celebrating the Strong
U.S.-Armenia Relationships
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Package Prices are as Follows:
Double Occupancy - $2,900 per person
Single Occupancy - $3,100
Banquet Ticket Only - $50
Package Pricing Includes:
* Coach class round trip airline tickets London/Yerevan/London
* 13 nights hotel accommodations at Armenia Marriott Hotel,
including breakfast
* Admission ticket to the International Banquet
* Admission to Armenian Assembly General Session and Briefing
* Visa Fees, Airport Tax, Local Transportation, Tours, Briefings,
Entertainment and most Meals
* Optional Nagorno Karabakh trip additional $500 per person
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
ASSEMBLY MEETS WITH ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT SPEAKER DURING HIS U.S. VISIT
An Assembly delegation led by Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair
Hovnanian met with Arthur Baghdasaryan, Speaker of the Armenian
Parliament, in New York last week. The meeting, which also included
Board of Trustees Treasurer Edele Hovnanian, Board of Directors Chairman
Anthony Barsamian, Board of Directors Member Van Krikorian and Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny, focused on building stronger U.S.-Armenia
relations and democratic reforms in Armenia including anti-corruption
efforts.
The Assembly also briefed the Speaker on key legislative issues and
participated with him in various meetings with U.S. government officials
in Washington. Baghdasaryan met with U.S. State Department officials
and several lawmakers including House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL),
House Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier (R-CA), Minority Leader
Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Armenian
Caucus Co-Chairs Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ),
among others.
"Armenia has a proud history and is committed to engagement with its
neighbors to promote democracy and regional trade," Dreier said in a
news release. "Speaker Baghdasaryan and I agreed that democracy is
critical to security and stability in the region. I was proud to welcome
the Speaker to the Capitol and look forward to working with him on his
efforts in the future."
REP. GUTIERREZ JOINS THE ARMENIAN CAUCUS
At the urging of the Armenian Assembly, Congressman Luis Gutierrez
(D-IL) joined the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues last week,
bringing the total Caucus membership to 147.
The Congressman is a strong supporter of U.S. reaffirmation of the
Armenian Genocide and has cosponsored legislation that would properly
recognize this crime against humanity.
Board of Directors Vice Chair Lisa Esayian said the Assembly is pleased
that Congressman Gutierrez will be part of this very important body.
"As a Chicago resident, I have witnessed firsthand the Congressman's
efforts on behalf of his constituents and know he will be an effective
member of the Caucus."
Gutierrez is also a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and
serves on the House Financial Services and Veterans' Affairs Committees.
AS CONGRESS RECONVENES, ASSEMBLY RALLIES SUPPORT FOR LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
The Armenian Assembly stepped up its advocacy efforts last week as
Members of the House and Senate reconvened following a month-long summer
recess.
Congressional Relations Director Rob Mosher reported that the
pan-Armenian Genocide resolution, H.R. 316, continues to gain momentum
with nearly 120 cosponsors to date. The bill is scheduled for
consideration by Chairman Henry Hyde's (R-IL) influential House
International Relations Committee later this week.
Additionally, the Assembly is helping drum up support for the South
Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act, known as H.R. 3361. The
legislation, which has the support of 25 cosponsors to date, would bar
U.S. assistance for a proposed rail link connecting Turkey, Georgia and
Azerbaijan. Last week, Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues
Co-Chairs Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ)
circulated a letter to their House colleagues urging them to support
this bipartisan measure.
The Foreign Operations bill, which will determine the level of funding
Armenia and Karabakh receive next year, is also among the Assembly's
legislative priorities. The House and Senate are expected to reconcile
their differences in a conference committee in the coming weeks.
AMB. GABRIELIAN TO BE FEATURED GUEST AT NEXT MONTH'S MISSION RECEPTION
The Assembly announced this week that Armenian Ambassador to Great
Britain Vahe Gabrielian will be the featured guest at a special Mission
reception in Kensington, London on October 18.
The event marks the unofficial kick-off to the Assembly's 10th
anniversary Trustees Mission to Armenia and Karabakh, led by Board of
Directors Vice Chair Annie Totah. The deadline to register for the
Mission trip is Friday, September 16.
The 12-day excursion will include tours in and around Armenia, meetings
with U.S. and Armenia government officials and an optional two-day trip
to Nagorno Karabakh. A special International Banquet honoring the
strong U.S.-Armenia relationship will also be held on October 22.
For more information or to make your reservations, please contact
Development and Membership Deputy Director Rita Mullane in Washington at
(202) 393-3434, or via email at [email protected].
GENOCIDE DOCUMENTARY NOMINATED FOR EMMY
An Armenian Genocide documentary entitled "Armenian Genocide: 90 Years
Later" featuring Assembly supporters including Minnesota State Chair Lou
Ann Matossian, Chacke Yeterian Scallen and Fellow Trustee Massis
Yeterian, was nominated for an Emmy Award last week.
The hour-long program was produced by Twin Cities Public Television and
the University of Minnesota Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies,
with funding from the Cafesjian Family Foundation.
University of Minnesota historians Taner Akcam, Stephen Feinstein and
Eric Weitz, as well as Harriet Balian, are featured. The award will be
announced on October 22.
NEWS & NOTES
* Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny last week participated in
the 58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference "Our Challenge: Voices for Peace,
Partnerships and Renewal" at the United Nations in New York. The
three-day event, which included panel discussions and workshops, brought
together representatives from more than 80 countries to voice their
views of the Millennium Development Goals, peace and security, human
rights and strengthening the United Nations.
* Western Office Director Lena Kaimian and Reverend Datev Tatatoulian of
St. John Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church last Saturday met with
Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-CA) to discuss the South Caucasus
Integration and Open Railroads Act, among other issues.
GET ASSEMBLY THIS WEEK ELECTRONICALLY!
Receive Assembly This Week in your inbox! In an effort to increase our
efficiency and better serve our members, readers can receive an
electronic version of this publication as an alternative to the printed
version. Those who are interested should send their email addresses to
Rita Mullane at [email protected].
Calendar of Events
10/19-11/1: Annual Mission to Armenia & NKR
10/22: International Banquet; Yerevan, Armenia
11/13: Capital Regional Holiday Reception; DC
3/26: Annual Board of Trustees Meeting; DC
3/26-3/28: 2006 National Conference & Banquet; DC
************************************************** ***************
A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED BY THE ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA
1140 19th Street, N.W., Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20036 (202) 393-3434
FAX (202) 638-4904
E-Mail: [email protected] WEB http://www.armenianassembly.org
************************************************** ***************
Join the ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA for the
10th Anniversary Trustee Mission to Armenia & Nagorno Karabakh
October 19 through November 1, 2005
And attend the First International Banquet Celebrating the Strong
U.S.-Armenia Relationships
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Package Prices are as Follows:
Double Occupancy - $2,900 per person
Single Occupancy - $3,100
Banquet Ticket Only - $50
Package Pricing Includes:
* Coach class round trip airline tickets London/Yerevan/London
* 13 nights hotel accommodations at Armenia Marriott Hotel,
including breakfast
* Admission ticket to the International Banquet
* Admission to Armenian Assembly General Session and Briefing
* Visa Fees, Airport Tax, Local Transportation, Tours, Briefings,
Entertainment and most Meals
* Optional Nagorno Karabakh trip additional $500 per person
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16