LOS ANGELES — Representatives from the Armenian Council of America (ACA) along with the Armenian Assembly of America, Southern California Armenian Democrats (SCAD), and the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) met with Senator Bernie Sanders on November 16 to discuss key issues of importance to the Armenian American community ahead of the 2020 presidential primary.
ACA Board Member Harry Unell gave a brief introduction of the organization and explained the scope of work and mission of ACA. “We have worked on legislation from Genocide recognition to the formal recognition of Artsakh, including advocating for democracy in Turkey and Azerbaijan, as their democracy directly impacts Armenia,” said Unell.
“ACA also has a legal aid program which aims to assist citizens and non-citizens who are economically challenged or below the poverty line, including providing resources for undocumented Armenians currently residing in the U.S.”
Christine Aghakhanian, ACA Board Member, thanked Sanders for his support of U.S. economic aid to Armenia. She reiterated the enormous strides the Armenian government is making towards economic equality and transparency of government in light of the recent Velvet Revolution and urged Sanders along with his colleagues in the Senate to continue their support.
“We hope, if elected, you will be the first U.S. President to visit Armenia,” Aghakhanian added.
During the meeting Sanders was gifted an Armenian Genocide Centennial forget-me-not flower pin which he wore during the rally attended by thousands at Woodrow Wilson High School immediately following the meeting.
