Board Member Aris Anagnos, Congressman Xavier Becerra, Yeghig Keshishian of the Armenian Assembly and Andrew Kzirian of the ANC in the panel discussion.

LOS ANGELES - 6/22/2009:

On May 27, 2009, the American Hellenic Council, in cooperation with the Armenian National Committee and the Armenian Assembly of America hosted a Congressional Briefing event with Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-CA31).

The meeting took place at the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles and was well attended by members of both the Greek-American and the Armenian-American communities.

Congressman Becerra, a longtime supporter of issues concerning the two communities, addressed the issue of recognition of the Armenian genocide with members of the Armenian community of Southern California.

In response to questions from various members of the American Hellenic Council, he stressed the fact that the Cyprus issue is one of many on President Obama’s desk. He mentioned that it might take some time to see some action on behalf of the Administration on this front, because the President has many other high-urgency issues to contend with, in particular the economy and healthcare reform.

When asked whether it would be wise to add certain issues that concern the Hellenic Community as a rider to a larger bill and try to pass it through Congress, he agreed that such a move would present a good idea but it would require a long and persistent effort from the community.  

Finally, the Congressman, who had maintained his permanent residence in the district so far, informed the attendees that he has decided to relocate his family to Washington D.C.

American Hellenic Council Secretary George Gavalas, Nishan Bostanian, Congressman Xavier Becerra and Andrew Kzirian of the ANC