Over 200 Attend ANCA-ER Presentation

"The Armenian Weekly", Armenian Heritage Cruise Special, Volume 74, No. 4, February 2, 2008

Despite time changes and the beautiful sunny weather, over 200 Armenian Heritage Cruise attendees, including Ambassador John and Donna Evans, were present at the 3rd annual ANCA Eastern Region lecture entitled “A Year of Firsts: Reflecting on 2007 and Future Hai Tahd Activities.”

The lecture, presented by ANCA-ER executive director Karine Birazian, helped to educate participants on the current issues the ANCA is working on as well as future Hai Tahd activities. “It is always a wonderful opportunity to update interested activists on Armenian issues.

This past year I met people from all over the world that commended the great work that the Armenian National Committee does,” commented Birazian.

During the 90-minute presentation, Birazian highlighted activities during 2007, including the withdrawal of Ambassador Hoagland’s nomination, the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.106), updates on the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), further advancements with our lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C., as well as recapping the ANCA-ER’s first annual banquet held in New York City. Participants were also shown the effectiveness of the initiatives taken on by the ANCA and how to further their involvement with the organization.

Following the lecture, ANC-Western Region executive director Antranig Kzirian and ANCA legislative director Raffi Karakashian joined Birazian for a question and answer session. Karakashian also had letters for activists to sign and passed around a recent copy of media articles organized by the ANCA, which was distributed to every Member of Congress on Capitol Hill.

Following the lecture, ANC of Pennsylvania activist Phil Nigon commented: “I found the lecture to be very informative and well organized. It helped me gain a tighter grip on what the ANCA is currently doing as well as the status of H.Res.106 and the plans for 2008.”