[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 142 (Wednesday, November 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING HONORARY CONSUL BERJ K. APKARIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2014

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues Mr. Nunes and 
Mr. Valadao to recognize Mr. Berj K. Apkarian upon his appointment as 
the first Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno. This is 
a monumental occasion for not only Berj but for Fresno's entire 
Armenian community.
  In 1979, Berj immigrated to Fresno, California, from Syria, and he 
has since been a very active member of Fresno's Armenian-American 
community. He is the Executive Director of Physician Relations at 
Community Medical Centers and is also a professor at California State 
University, Fresno, where he leads the Armenian Studies Program and the 
Center for Armenian Studies.
  In 2009, the City of Fresno established a sister city partnership 
with the city of Etchmiadzin in Armenia. The partnership enhances the 
bond between Fresno and Armenia, and Berj was instrumental in forming 
the relationship. To further strengthen our city's ties with Armenia, 
the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Armenia was established on 
August 14, 2014.
  As Honorary Consul, Berj will continue to play an integral role in 
strengthening our Valley's relationship with Armenia. In addition to 
forming a stronger relationship with Armenia, Berj plans to take a team 
of medical professionals to Armenia to educate and provide healthcare 
services for residents living in rural communities.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that Mr. Nunes, Mr. Valadao, 
and I ask our colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to 
recognize Mr. Berj K. Apkarian as he begins to serve as the first 
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno.

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