ANCA-WR, REP. SHERMAN AND "SCREAMERS" DIRECTOR CARLA GARAPEDIAN CALL FOR ACTION TO END CYCLE OF GENOCIDE
ASBAREZ
12/23/2006
ENCINO–The Armenian National Committee of America –Western Region
(ANCA-WR), Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) and "Screamers" film director
Carla Garapedian called for action to end the cycle of genocide from
the Armenian Genocide of 1915 to the genocide going on in Darfur
today. They also condemned Variety Magazine, which covers the movie
industry, for supporting the Government of Turkey’s on-going Armenian
Genocide denial by casting doubt upon the historical facts of the
Genocide.
Rep. Sherman spoke of the pressing need to stop the on-going genocide
in Darfur in order to break the cycle of genocide that has been
plaguing our world over the last century. The Congressman, who will
be spearheading efforts on an Armenian Genocide resolution in the
House of Representatives next year, noted why the recognition of
the Armenian Genocide is essential if the world is to end the global
cycle of genocide. He said it was "Hitler who proclaimed, who today
remembers the Armenians?" In answer to Variety Magazine casting doubt
upon the historical facts of the Armenian Genocide with their use
of the terminology "so-called Armenian Genocide," he ridiculed the
publication by saying that there are also people who still believe
O.J. Simpson is innocent.
The call to action was made at a press conference organized by the
ANCA-WR outside the Laemmle Theatre in Encino, California, where
the new documentary movie "Screamers" will begin showing on December
22nd. The movie provides a comprehensive examination of how genocide
was first used by Turkey as a state policy in 1915 in order to kill
1.5 million Armenian citizens which Hitler later used as a blueprint
for the Holocaust. Since then genocide has been repeated in Cambodia,
Bosnia, Rwanda and now Darfur. The film looks at the issue through
the eyes and music of the Grammy award-winning rock band System of
a Down, based in Los Angeles, whose members are all grandchildren
of Genocide survivors. Covering the press conference were various
members of the media including FOX News, regional media outlets and
Armenian community media.
"Genocide recognition should never be a currency for better economic
relations or more arms deals with other nations," stated Carla
Garapedian, director of "Screamers." She emphasized that by seeing
"Screamers," people will send a clear message to the whole nation
that this is an issue that they care about and that genocide in our
time can and must be stopped.
Nishan Bostanian, spokesperson for the San Fernando Valley ANC,
thanked Rep.
Brad Sherman for his leadership role in fighting for justice for the
martyrs and survivors of the Armenian Genocide and his role in helping
bring attention to the genocide taking place in Darfur. Bostanian
stated that when the 110th Congress convenes in January of 2007 the San
Fernando Valley ANC looks forward to working closely with Rep. Sherman
in his efforts with Speaker Pelosi and other key members of Congress
to pass a resolution on the Armenian Genocide.