Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 775-1918
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PRESS RELEASE
April 24, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
1,000 JOIN “SYSTEM OF A DOWN” RALLY URGING
TURKEY TO END ARMENIAN GENOCIDE DENIAL
— Rally at Turkish Embassy Features Calls for Justice
Washington, DC – Armenian Americans from across the United States
joined today with System Of A Down’s Serj Tankian and John Dolmayan
at a Washington, DC “Rally for Justice,” urging the Turkish
Government to end its worldwide campaign of Armenian Genocide
denial.
Organized by the Armenian National Committee of Greater Washington
(ANC-GW) and the Armenian Youth Federation Washington Chapter, the
protest attracted over 1,000 activists to the Turkish Embassy, as
Armenians worldwide marked the 91st anniversary of this crime
against humanity. Among the participants was DC United star player
Alecko Eskandarian, who was MLS Cup Champion and MVP in 2004.
Tankian and Dolmayan are in Washington, DC as part of a three-day
advocacy tour in support of Congressional recognition of the
Armenian Genocide. Following participation in the rally on Monday,
the band members will be meeting with Members of Congress and the
media urging passage of legislation in the Senate and House that
would recognize the Armenian Genocide. The measures in both houses
enjoy strong bipartisan support, but are being blocked from
reaching a vote by the leadership – Speaker Hastert in the House
and Majority Leader Frist in the Senate.
On Tuesday evening, Tankian and Dolmayan will host a screening of
excerpts of “Screamers,” a powerful film by Carla Garapedian about
System of a Down’s international anti-genocide advocacy efforts.
On Wednesday evening, they will be honored for their vocal pursuit
of justice for the Armenian Genocide at the annual Armenian
Genocide observance on Capitol Hill.
Having debuted two #1 Billboard albums in 2005 and having sold over
16 million records around the world, System of A Down has a
tremendous nationwide following and loyal fan base, who have heeded
their call to action on social justice issues, including support of
legislation recognizing the Armenian Genocide. All band members
lost family in the Armenian Genocide committed by Turkey and are
deeply committed to ensuring proper U.S. recognition of this crime
against humanity. The band’s efforts have gained national press
attention in hundreds of articles appearing in the New York Times,
Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Newsweek, MTV,
BBC, VH1, ABC, FOX, WB, and Rolling Stone.
The inter-generational “Rally for Justice” brought together young
and old in their call for the Turkish Government to end its
campaign of Genocide denial. Activists were met by a smaller group
of Turkish and Azerbaijani counter-protesters, who were apparently
organized by the Turkish Embassy staff and its paid lobbyists.
Armenian Youth Federation Washington Chapter chairman Serouj
Aprahamian noted that genocide recognition efforts are ongoing. “We
will continue our efforts not just on April 24th but all year
round. Through education, organization and activism we will move
our cause forward and ensure justice for Armenians and all
humanity,” noted Aprahamian.
Following the demonstration, attendees walked to the Embassy of the
Republic of Armenia for a short service and wreath-laying ceremony.
Members of local Armenian organizations placed wreaths and flowers
in front of the Khatchkar (stone cross). The ceremony was led by
Ambassador Tatoul Markarian and featured remarks by Nagorno
Karabagh representative Vardan Barseghyan, and the participation of
the Washington Homenetmen Armenian Scouting troop. The program
came to a close with a brief religious service led by Soorp Khatch
Armenian Church Pastor, Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian and Deacon Kalaydjian
from St. Mary’s Armenian Church.
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Photo Captions: (Photos availble upon request.)
1) System Of A Down’s Serj Tankian and John Dolmayan
at the “Rally for Justice” in Washington, DC urging the Turkish Government
to recognize the Armenian Genocide.
2) DC United star player Alecko Eskandarian (right) with Washington
DC area community activist Samig Jarian at the April 24th “Rally for
Justice.”