FRESNO – The Central California Chapter of the Armenian National Committee will honor US Representative George Radanovich (R-Fresno) as "Man of the Year" at their upcoming Sunday–March 9 annual banquet in Fresno. The event will take place at Tornino’s restaurant in Fresno beginning at 1 p.m.
Congressman Radanovich has been a leader of Armenian causes in Congress. He was an original co-sponsor of the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act; he has written to President Clinton and the State Department on several occasions to protest pro-Turkish and pro-Azeri positions on key issues; and received an A+ rating from the Armenian National Committee of America in their annual rating of members of Congress. Most notably–Radanovich authored the historic Radanovich-Bonior Amendment which passed the House of Representatives by an overwhelming vote last summer. That amendment called for a cut in US aid to Turkey until they recognized the Armenian Genocide of 1915. The passage of the Radanovich-Bonior Amendment made international news and caused a formal protest from the government of Turkey along with an official statement refusing all future US aid. As of today–the Turkish government is still refusing $22 million in US economic support funds due to the Radanovich-Bonior Amendment.
Additionally–Radanovich has fought hard for self-determination for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. He has co-sponsored legislation to stop all US funds from going to Azerbaijan until the Azeri’s lift their unjust blockade of neighboring Armenia.
In announcing the banquet ANC Central California Chairwoman Hygo Ohannessian said–"We are proud to honor Congressman Radanovich for all of his hard work on behalf of Armenia’s. He has been a stalwart supporter of the Armenian-American community in Congress–and has established himself as a leader for our causes."
Reacting to the news of the award Radanovich said–"It is a pleasure for me to travel to Fresno and be with my friends in the Armenian community on March 9. I have the privilege of representing thousands of Armenian-Americans and I am honored to be the recipient of this important award."
Tickets to the events are $35.00 each and may be purchased by calling (209) 433-1856.