Sen. Barack Obama speaks out on the Armenian Genocide

ArmRadio.am
14.04.2007 16:50

On Thursday, April 12, 2007, over one hundred Illinois residents had
an opportunity to hear Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) speak out on the
importance of recognizing the Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA).

The Senator’s remarks were offered at a weekly Washington, DC
"breakfast briefing," an Illinois tradition started more than a decade
ago by the late Sen. Paul Simon (D-IL). At the briefings, the Praire
State’s two Senators, Obama and Assistant Majority Leader Richard
Durbin (D-IL), have the opportunity to field questions from
constituents on a variety of issues.

Taking part in the breakfast briefing were ANCA Eastern Region
Executive Director Karine Birazian and ANCA Legislative Affairs
Director Raffi N. Karakashian, Esq. On several occasions over the
past four years, Birazian, a Northbrook native, has attended the
briefings on behalf of the Armenian National Committee of Illinois and
has questioned her Senators on matters of importance to the state’s
Armenian American community.

When invited to ask a question, Birazian thanked Senator Durbin for
spearheading the Armenian Genocide Resolution, S.Res.106, as well as
leading the effort to pass targeted divestment legislation relating to
Darfur. Birazian also encourage Senator Obama to cosponsor
S.Res.106. In his response, Senator Obama stated: "For those who
aren’t aware, there was a genocide that did take place against the
Armenian people. It is one of these situations where we have seen a
constant denial on the part of the Turkish Government and others that
this occurred. It has become a sore spot diplomatically. . ."

Following the meeting, Birazian commented: "Armenian Americans in
Illinois and across the nation look forward to Senator Obama becoming
a cosponsor of S. Res.106. His principled stand on genocide
recognition is honorable, and as a member of the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee, his support of the legislation would help ensure
that it moves quickly to the floor for a vote of the full Senate."