SOLANA BEACH–In coordination with the ANCA-WR POWER Initiative, the San Diego ANC met with the Congressional District Office of Congressman Brian Bilbray on March 12. Preceding this meeting, the San Diego ANC engaged the community by preparing letters to Rep. Bilbray voicing concerns about the Armenian Genocide Resolution. Next, members of the Armenian American community of the Greater San Diego area traveled to Rep. Bilbray’s district office to discuss the Armenian Genocide Resolution and other issues of concern to local constituents. Within one day of the meeting, the Congressman communicated his support for the Armenian Genocide Resolution. "This meeting with Congressman Bilbray’s office allowed us to present a united front of support for H. Res. 106 – we need to make sure that the Armenian Genocide is properly recognized by Congress," stated ANC activist Edik Ismaelyan. "During the meeting, each attendee expressed an individual perspective on the Armenian Genocide Resolution and the Congressman’s office greatly appreciated our visit. We look forward to working with Congressman Bilbray here in his district," added ANC activist Rob Deranian. Attending the meeting were ANC activists Edick Ismaelyan, Hasmig Sillano, Arthur Sillano, Jim Yogurtian and Robert Deranian. Additionally, these activists were joined by Ani Lanuza of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, Rev. Fr. Datev Tatoulian, Pastor of St. John Garabed Armenian Church in San Diego, Chris Yemenidjian of the National Organization of Republican Armenia’s and Mario Saldana, a concerned constituent. As district meetings across the western United States take place to help Armenian American communities engage their local elected officials, the ANCA-WR staff continues to keep its eyes on Congress. "This type of activity typifies the grassroots activism that continuously drives the Armenian National Committee’s efforts," stated Executive Director Antranig Kzirian. "We are hopeful that Congress will call H. Res. 106 to a vote-and in the meantime we want to give our communities a chance to be heard because they are constituents-unlike the Turkish Government officials visiting Washington to influence our government’s internal constitutional processes." Forty-six of the 53 Congressmen from California have signed on as cosponsors to H. Res. 106.
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