CAUCUS CO-CHAIRS URGE PRESIDENT BUSH TO REAFFIRM THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

ArmRadio.am
18.04.2007 13:54

Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Reps. Frank
Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joseph Knollenberg (R-MI), sent a letter
to President George W. Bush, urging him to reaffirm the United
States’ record on the Armenian Genocide in his upcoming April 24th
commemorative statement, reports the Armenian Assembly of America.

Last year in his annual commemorative speech, the President noted that
it was a "tragedy for all humanity and one that we and the world must
never forget, " but he has repeatedly failed to use the word genocide
when referencing the tragic killings of 1.5 million Armenians from
1915-1923 by the Ottoman Turks.

In their letter, the Co-Chairs encouraged the President to recognize
the atrocities committed against the Armenian people as genocide
stating in part: " The United States must never allow crimes against
humanity to pass without remembrance and condemnation." In addition
the letter emphasizes the importance of the US commitment to prevent
future occurrences of genocide, reiterating that "it is imperative
that we pay tribute to the memory of others who have suffered and to
never forget the past."

This year, Armenians across the world will commemorate the 92nd
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. On Capitol Hill, Pallone
and Knollenberg, in conjunction with the Armenian Embassy and
Armenian-American organizations, will be spearheading an April
24th event.

The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues.

It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership organization.