AZG Armenian Daily #166, 16/09/2005

SCHIFF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION PASSED BY COMMITTEE

Both Chairman Henry Hyde and Ranking Member Tom Lantos Support Measures

WASHINGTON, DC (September 15, 2005) – For the first time in five years, the
House International Relations Committee passed Armenian Genocide legislation
(H. Con. Res. 195 and H. Res. 316) clearing the way for a historic vote on
the House Floor.

In June, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) secured a commitment for today’s
mark-up from House International Relations Committee Chairman Henry Hyde
(R-IL). A mark-up is the final hurdle a bill must pass before a vote by the
full House of Representatives is possible.

The Schiff resolution (H. Con. Res. 195) commemorates the Armenian Genocide
and urges Turkey to acknowledge the role of the Ottoman Empire in those
atrocities. The resolution also urges Turkey to go beyond recognition of
the Genocide and reach a just resolution with the Armenian people. The
Schiff resolution has 85 co-sponsors.

The United States still does not officially recognize the 1915-1924 genocide
of 1.5 million Armenians. This genocide is recognized by the European
Union, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Russia
and Switzerland.

After passing the Schiff resolution, the committee then approved a second
resolution recognizing the genocide that was sponsored by Congressmen George
Radanovich (R-CA), Joseph Knollenberg (R-MI), Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Frank
Pallone (D-CA).

“This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. We are
working to ensure our country recognizes this terrible tragedy while some of
the victims are still alive, including the three brave survivors here
today,” said Schiff. “I urge the entire community to call Members of
Congress and demand a quick floor vote for H. Con. Res. 195.”

“Our entire community is grateful to Congressman Schiff for his efforts
today in the International Relations Committee and for his tireless work to
pass an Armenian Genocide Resolution,” said Aram Hamparian, Executive
Director, Armenian National Committee of America. “We look forward to
building on the Committee’s action and to working with all members of
Congress to secure a full Floor vote on Armenian Genocide legislation at the
earliest opportunity.”

Congressman Schiff is a member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian
Issues and he represents the largest Armenian population in the United
States. He is a member of both the House Judiciary and International
Relations committees. The 29th Congressional District includes the
communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel,
Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple
City.