More than 200 Illinois constituents had an opportunity to hear Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) speak out on the importance of recognizing the Armenian Genocide and encouraged the Turkish Government to end their campaign of denial, reported the Armenian National Committee of Illinois. Sen. Obama stated that the Armenian Genocide was one of the most horrific tragedies that occurred during the 20th Century by the Turkish Government. He also stressed the importance of working to end the campaign of denial and speaking the truth, which in some instances has unfortunately jeopardized peoples' careers.

Following the meeting Birazian met with Harry Kruglik, the Legislative Clerk for Sen. Obama and thanked the Senator for writing a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice expressing his concerns with the Administration's decision to recall the previous Ambassador to Armenia, John Evans.