Congressman Berman likely to chair House Committee on Foreign AffairsFebruary 28, 2008 - 16:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A delegation from the Armenian National Committee of America - Western Region met with Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA-28). Congressman Berman serves as Acting Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs (HCFA) following the unfortunate passing of Chairman Congressman Tom Lantos, who recently succumbed to esophageal cancer. Those in attendance included ANCA-WR Board Members Steve Dadaian, Vicken Sonentz-Papazian, Avo Ovayan, ANC Activist Mourad Topalian and Congressman Howard Berman."We always welcome the opportunity to engage in a meaningful exchange of information and ideas with the acting and future Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee," stated Dadaian. "During our meeting it was clear that Congressman Berman shares our optimistic outlook for advancing issues of concern to the Armenian American community and we look forward to working closely with him to accomplish that task," he added. During the meeting, the ANCA-WR delegation discussed various issues of concern to the community with Congressman Berman. In particular, Congressman Berman reiterated his support for the passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution and for increasing aid to Armenia, especially vis-a`-vis petrodollar rich and warmongering Azerbaijan. The meeting participants also noted Kosovo's recent declaration of independence and how comparatively, Nagorno-Karabakh also enjoys a strong case for self-determination. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |