WILMINGTON CITY COUNCIL CALLS ON DELAWARE CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE TO SUPPORT ARMENIAN GENOCIDE LEGISLATION

armradio.am
27.08.2007 15:24

The City Council of Wilmington, Delaware voted unanimously to call
on Delaware Congressional Representative Michael Castle (D-DE) to
support the Armenian Genocide Resolution, H.Res.106, reported the
Armenian National Committee of America, Eastern Region (ANCA-ER).

Introduced by Councilman Samuel Prado, representing the City of
Wilmington’s fifth district, the powerfully worded resolution was
presented and voted upon with no debate. The resolution, which
cites the history of the Armenian Genocide and urges cosponsorship
of H. Res. 106, also urges the "Turkish Government to accept
responsibility for this tragic event in world history."

"We commend Councilman Prado for working within the State of Delaware
to urge Representative Castle to sign on to H. Res. 106," stated
ANCA Eastern Region Executive Director Karine Birazian. "The Armenian
Community of Delaware, and Armenians throughout the nation welcomes
this initiative and hope that the action taken in Wilmington will
build on the already majority support for the initiative."

Prado also issued a proclamation honoring the ANCA for fostering public
awareness for Armenian Genocide recognition and its work in support
of self-determination for the people of Nagorno Karabagh. Birazian
accepted in the proclamation on behalf of the ANCA, along with ANC
of PA Chairman, Dr.

Ara Chalian, and ANC Delaware activist Mike Kalajian. Each spoke before
the overflow crowd of over 250 community citizens in attendance about
the history of the Armenian Genocide, and urged Delaware Congressman
Mike Castle to sign on the resolution.

In a strong and moving statement read at the City Council meeting,
Kalajian stated, "here we are now, 92 years and 10,000 miles away,
living in the relative safety of the state of Delaware in this great
country America. Why should we care what happened nearly a century
ago and so far away? Because apathy bears acceptance, and we cannot
condone a horror such as this… We can not, and will not, accept
that any government has the right to exterminate any segment of
its innocent citizenry for any reason, not for the color of their
skin, not for their religious or political beliefs, and not for
their race." Kalajian was instrumental earlier this year in working
with State Representative John A. Kowalko (D-25) who introduced a
resolution in the Delaware General Assembly in remembrance of the
Armenian Genocide. The resolution was adopted by voice vote with no
opposition on April 5th, 2007.

Prado, son of Jesus Prado, and a lifelong resident of the City of
Wilmington was elected to represent the Wilmington’s 5th District in
1984. Samuel was previously employed by the AIG Life Insurance company
in the area of customer service. He attended Salesianum Catholic
High School. He is a 1999 graduate of the University of Delaware and
received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. Following
passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution, Prado explained his
reasons for introducing the legislation, stating:

"As someone who has studied history, I came across the subject of
the Armenian Genocide in reading about World War I. I found this
event to be not only tragic but also very telling about the evil that
fellow man can inflict on others. What I found particularly appalling
however is the present-day government of Turkey continued denial of
genocide and the political motivations behind it. I am saddened that
the United States will not admit that Turkey did this for fear of
upsetting its political alliance with the Turkish State. The reality
is that Turkey needs to own up to what it did the Armenians. And just
as Germany had to pay reparations to the Jews, Turkey in the end,
will have to do the same for the Armenians."

"Whether that is through financial compensation or returning land
that was violently taken from Armenia, Turkey will have to do either
in order to rectify this historical injustice. I find it equally
appalling the Turkey maintains a blockade on Armenia and continues
to mistreat the small surviving Armenian community in Anatolia. This
also applies to its treatment of the Greeks and Assyrians. People in
the United States need to realize that this so-called ally of the
US has committed atrocities against its Christian inhabitants and
ironically, anti-US sentiment in Turkey is higher than in Iran and
many other Muslim countries. Even though I’m just a City Councilman,
I will do my part to getting the word out about this evil event with
the hope that it will never happen again. I sincerely hope that Rep.

Mike Castle does the right thing and votes for House Resolution 106
to recognize the Armenian Genocide."

Later that evening, ANC of PA Chairman, Dr. Chalian was interviewed
live on Horizon Armenian Television and shared with the viewers
what had happened that evening: "Working with city councils is an
innovative way to urge members of Congress to take action on the
Armenian Genocide Resolution," commented Chalian. "We are so grateful
for Councilman Prado’s initiative on this matter."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress