ROGAN TO ADDRESS ARMENIAN AMERICANS.

Byline: Donna Huffaker Staff Writer

U.S. Rep. James Rogan and former California Gov. George Deukmejian are two of the guest speakers at Friday's second annual Gala Celebration of the Armenian American Republican Council.

The council, created in 1997 to act as a bridge between the California Republican Party and the Armenian community, was officially chartered in the past year, giving the council a voice within the party, said Albert Abkarian, council chairman.

The council's main goals include working with Republican Party members on issues concerning Armenian-Americans, as well as voter education and registration drives, he said.

During the 8 p.m. event at the Red Lion Hotel, Rogan plans to talk about his goals for his trip next week to Armenia, Rogan's spokesman Jeff Solsby said Wednesday.

Rogan will spend four days in Armenia and meet with the country's president and prime minister. They will discus Armenia's developing democracy and talk about how the United States as the pre-eminent world power can aid in their efforts, as well as strengthen the relationship between the two countries, Solsby said.

The council has had significant impact on the California Republican Party's recognition and support of the Armenian genocide issue, Abkarian said, noting the council has raised more than $100,000 for Republican candidates.

Additional attendees scheduled for Friday's gala include: California Secretary of State Bill Jones, state Insurance Commissioner Chuck Quackenbush and Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich.