Members of Congress mark 92nd anniversary of Armenian Genocide in floor
speeches
Arminfo
2007-04-28 13:19:00
Senators and Representatives joined Armenians around the world this
week in commemorating the 92nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
in statements on the floors of their respective chambers of Congress,
reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
A major theme in their remarks was the importance of helping to
end U.S. complicity in Turkey’s continued campaign of Genocide
denial by passing the Armenian Genocide Resolution (S.Res.106
and H.Res.106). Several called specifically for decisive U.S. and
international action to end the genocide currently taking place in
Darfur, noting that Turkey’s ability to commit genocide with impunity
has set a dangerous precedent that has encouraged other genocides.
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) "In order for democracy and human rights to
flourish, we must not support efforts to rewrite and deny history. In
the United States, we strive to make human rights a fundamental
component of our democracy. It is long overdue for our nation to demand
that the truth be told. We must recognize the Armenian genocide in
the name of democracy, fairness and human rights … It is important
that we recognize the Armenian genocide while its survivors are still
with us to tell their stories. We must recognize the genocide for the
survivors. We must recognize the genocide because it is the right
thing to do. We must recognize the Armenian genocide to help shed
light on the darkness and move toward a more humane world."
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) "California is home to many of the
descendants of the genocide’s survivors, who immigrated to the United
States and, over the course of a few decades, built strong and vibrant
communities. Working closely with the Armenian – American community
over my many years in public service, I know how alive and painful this
issue continues to be for many Armenian Americans… Let there be no
mistake. The ongoing genocide in Darfur, carried out by the Government
of Sudan and its Janjaweed militias, traces its roots to the silence
and quiescence of the international community during previous episodes
of genocide and ethnic cleansing, including the Armenian genocide."
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) "Because I believe we cannot prevent
future genocide unless we recognize past genocide, I am a sponsor of
Senate Resolution 106, which calls upon the President to ensure that
this Nation’s foreign policy reflects appropriate understanding and
sensitivity concerning human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide
documented in the U.S. record relating to the Armenian genocide… As
many as one and a half million Armenians lost their lives during this
systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing conducted in Turkey while the
world was preoccupied by the First World War and its aftermath. That
the major powers, including the United States, did not prevent
or intervene at any point to stop this killing represents one of
twentieth century’s ugliest stains on humanity." Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI)
"Today, as a proud supporter of S. Res 106, legislation officially
recognizing the Armenian genocide , I urge the President to ensure
that the foreign policy of the United States reflects appropriate
understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to human
rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide documented in the U.S. record
relating to the Armenian genocide . Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stated
over 50 years after the Armenian genocide that: ‘Injustice anywhere
is a threat to justice everywhere… Whatever affects one directly,
affects all indirectly.’ The time has come to officially recognize the
Armenian genocide… Menk panav chenk mornar. We will never forget."