InternationalCommunity members meet U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar
Published: Friday March 06, 2009
Senator Amy Klobuchar chats with John and Maida Domenie and other members of the Armenian-American community, March 1, 2009. Vanessa Rogers
Minneapolis - Foreign policy, the Republic of Armenia, displaced Iraqi-Armenians, the genocide in Darfur, the U.S. economy, energy, and technology were some of the topics discussed by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D.-Minn.) and members of the Armenian-American community last Sunday. The meeting was hosted by Gerard and Cleo Cafesjian and organized by the U.S.-Armenia Public Affairs Committee (USAPAC).
"Senator Klobuchar has developed a strong interest in U.S.-Armenia relations," said John Waters, vice president of the Cafesjian Family Foundation and USAPAC representative. "Senator Klobuchar has co-sponsored SR 106, the Armenian Genocide Resolution, and SR 65, condemning the assassination of Hrant Dink. And she was very instrumental in successfully unlocking additional assistance for Iraqi-Armenian refugees."
Sen. Klobuchar - an attorney and a former county prosecutor - two years ago became the first woman elected to represent Minnesotans in the Senate. Because of her strong support of American-Armenians interests, community members were excited to have a chance to meet with the senator and her husband, George Washington University Law School professor John Bessler.
"I was very pleased to meet her. She spoke forcefully and spoke forthright," said John Domenie of Naples, Fla. Mr. Domenie, a former Washington bank manager, and his wife Maida, co-founders of the Armenian American Cultural Society of South West Florida more than a decade ago, were among the dozens of community members that gathered to meet the senator.
"I think she was very well-informed on a very wide range of issues," said Mr. Domenie. "She covered economy and housing and politics. She covered so many things, and it's obvious that she's a very enthusiastic supporter of President Obama and his policies."
"I understand she's been a good advocate for Armenian cause," said Mrs. Domenie. "She made a very good impression as a senator. She was persuasive, and she didn't hesitate on explaining her positions."
After a brief introduction, Sen. Klobuchar talked extensively to those gathered about a range of topics from healthcare reform to energy technologies. The senator said she is optimistic that "the economy country can be turned around."
Speaking about U.S. ties with the Republic of Armenia, Sen. Klobuchar noted that Armenia has fared better in its economic and democratic practices than other nations in the region, and that the United States can have an even more active role in helping Armenia in its ongoing transition.
"I wished her well for what she's been doing for the Armenian people," said Mark Nahabedian of Marco Island, Fla. Mr. Nahabedian told the Armenian Reporter that he's been with many "politicians" over the years and that when they are speaking, he often feels as if they are thinking of someone or something else. "But not Amy," he said. "She gave everyone at the meet-and-greet her undivided attention. She was a well-informed and sincerely interested in Armenian-American issues."
connect:
klobuchar.senate.gov
