PRESS RELEASE
October 4, 2005

Ambassador Tatoul Markarian Visits Los Angeles

Ambassador Tatoul Markarian visited Los Angeles on September 29 – October 2, 2005, for meetings with the Armenian-American community leaders and organizations.

The Ambassador visited the Consulate General of the Republic of Armenia where he discussed the Consulate present and planned activities with Consul General Gagik Kirakossian and Consulate staff. On September 29, Ambassador Markarian met with representatives of the Armenian-American political organizations at the Consulate. Visiting the office of the Lincy Foundation, Ambassador Markarian once more expressed appreciation for Lincy's large scale projects in Armenia , which he said have left a permanent positive imprint on Armenia .

On September 30, Ambassador Markarian attended welcoming receptions by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, Western Diocese and His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Western Prelacy, where parish pastors, members of the Diocese and Prelacy Councils, and local community activists were also present.

On September 30, the Ambassador of Armenia attended the Armenia Fund reception as the guest of honor. The event was held in advance of the Annual Telethon. On October 1-2, he also participated in the USC Gala Banquet organized by the USC Armenian Studies Institute and in the AGBU Annual Banquet.

Ambassador Markarian was interviewed by the Horizon TV, fielding questions on Armenia 's foreign policy, U.S.-Armenian cooperation, and Armenia-Diaspora relations.