Thursday, May 20, 2004 Contact: Sean Oblack (202) 225-4176 Schiff Interviews Armenian Ambassador Local Congressman Talks to Armenia’s Top Diplomat on Cable Television Show   WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) interviewed Dr. Arman J. Kirakossian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the United States, last Tuesday on “Capitol Report,” a television show aired on various local cable stations.   “Ambassador Kirakossian gave insightful remarks on Armenia’s current political issues, its relationship with its neighbors and the Armenian Genocide,” Schiff said.  “I am sure that my constituents -- not only of Armenian descent but of all backgrounds -- will appreciate his appearance on my show.”   The longtime diplomat also spoke about his recently-published book, The Armenian Massacres 1894-1896, a compilation of essays by academics on a period of massacres for the Armenian people that was a precursor to the Armenian Genocide.  The book includes an introduction by the Ambassador and a forward by former Senator Bob Dole (R-KS).   Capitol Report is usually shown in Glendale and Burbank on Sunday evenings on Channel 25, in Pasadena on various times from Sunday through Friday on Channel 55, and in areas surrounding Pasadena on Wednesday afternoons on Channel 56.  This episode will also air on HORIZON, the local Armenian community’s television cable station.  Viewers are advised to check their local listings.   A native of Armenia’s capital Yerevan, Dr. Kirakossian began his service as the Armenian Ambassador in Washington in 1999, previously serving as Ambassador to Greece and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs.  Before his diplomatic service, Dr. Kirakossian had a renowned academic career, most prominently with the Armenian National Academy of Sciences.   Congressman Schiff is the co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of both the House Judiciary and International Relations committees.  He represents California’s 29th Congressional District, including the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.