FULLERTON, CA — As part of the ongoing Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region 2002 Congressional Outreach Campaign, members of the ANC-Orange County Chapter, accompanied by ANCA-WR representatives met with Congressman Edward Royce on Tuesday, February 19, 2002, at his Fullerton District office. The discussion with Representative Royce, who serves on the House International Relations Committee, revolved around ANCAs Armenian Genocide recognition activities, as well as the waiver of Section 907, and Turkeys and Azerbaijans continued and illegal blockades of Armenia.

Congressman Royce put special emphasis on working with the ANCA and other members of the Congressional Armenian Issues Caucus on legislative initiatives, which will play a role in strengthening the free market economy in Armenia, as well as the democratic process. He expressed willingness to work with the appropriate agencies in Washington, DC to explore various avenues of implementing commerce and trade oriented projects in Armenia.

The Orange County Representative, who earned an A rating from the ANCA during the 2000 election cycle, has been a strong supporter of Armenian American issues, particularly the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. He played a prominent role in the advancement of the Armenian Genocide Resolution through the committee process in the House of Representatives in 2000. Representative Royce expressed his deep concerns over Turkeys continued denial of the Armenian Genocide, and explained that he has had to argue forcefully on a number of occasions with representatives of the Turkish government, including high priced lobbyists, on the need for recognition by Turkey.

In addition, the ANC-Orange Country activists informed Representative Royce on issues of concern to the local community, a large portion of which resides within the boundaries of the Congressmans district. They informed the Congressman of the growing communitys various projects and the ANC Chapters renewed activism in that community. They also brought the Congressman up to date on the state of Genocide education in California Public Schools, including the distribution of educational resources and materials such as the ANCA-WR Genocide handbook.

Rep. Royce also announced to the group that he would be a co-sponsor of the ANCA 8th Annual Armenian Genocide Observance on Capitol Hill, scheduled for Wednesday, April 17, 2002 in Washington, DC.

Attending the meeting with Congressman Royce were ANC-Orange County Chapter members Kevork Kishishian, Aram Madenlian, Nayiri Mahroukian, Sose Thomassian, Garo Churukian, and ANCA-WR Executive Director Alex Sardar.

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.