Armenian National Committee of Illinois
1701 N. Greenwood, Glenview, IL 60062
PRESS RELEASE
Date: November 3, 2007
Contact: Nairee Hagopian
Tel: 312-615-7698
REP. MARK KIRK REAFFIRMS PLEDGE TO SUPPORT
U.S. REAFFIRMATION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
CHICAGO, IL ` Congressman Mark Kirk (R-IL) re-affirmed his pledge
to support the Armenian Genocide Resolution, H.Res.106, at a recent
Chicago area reception in his honor hosted by the Armenian National
Committee of Illinois (ANC of IL) on Saturday, October 20, 2007.
Speaking at the reception, Kirk told guests that he has always
supported Armenian Genocide recognition, dating back to his early
days serving in the U.S. military, his time as a Congressional
staffer, and as an elected member of Congress. He stressed that he
would continue to encourage his colleagues to support the adoption
of the Armenian Genocide Resolution, and thanked the ANC of
Illinois for its civic activism and for the support it has extended
to him throughout his political career.
Recently, in a floor speech, he stated: "As a defender of human
rights, America must formally recognize the genocide Hitler once
dismissed so easily. From 1915 to 1923, the Ottoman Turks
systematically annihilated more than 1.5 million ethnic Armenians.
There is no other way to describe this organized campaign of murder
than as genocide."
Among those present at the event was ANCA national Chairman Kenneth
Hachikian, who thanked Congressman Kirk for his dedication and
support for issues regarding human rights, the Armenian Genocide,
and U.S.-Armenia relations. Hachikian also reported on the
successful 27 to 21 House Foreign Affairs Committee vote in support
of the Armenian Genocide Resolution earlier in the month.
Following the event, ANC of IL Chairman Ari Killain stated: "Our
community is very fortunate to have a elected official such as
Congressman Kirk who has taken the moral high ground regarding
human rights and recognition of the Armenian Genocide."
The Armenian National Committee of Illinois is part of the largest
and most influential Armenian American grassroots political
organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and
affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively
advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad
range of issues.
Congressman Mark Kirk’s full October 10, 2007 floor speech is
provided below.
#####
Photo Caption:
Congressman Mark Kirk (center) surrounded by ANC activists L to R
Vasgen Aivazian, Claud Ohanesian, ANC of IL Chairman Ari Killian,
Nairee Hagopian, and Greg Bedian
Madame Speaker, for more than ninety years, Armenians were denied
recognition for the Genocide of 1915.
We promised in 1945 to never forget the Holocaust, to never again
let such atrocities be committed. But the world could forget the
first genocide of the 20th Century. In fact Hitler used the
world’s denial of the Armenian Genocide as justification for his
invasion into Poland and the ensuing ethnic cleansing of Europe’s
Jewry. In a speech he gave in late August of 1939, Hitler stated,
"I have placed my death-head formation in readiness¦with orders to
send to death mercilessly and without compassion, men, women, and
children of Polish derivation and language¦Who, after all, speaks
today of the annihilation of the Armenians?"
Unfortunately, former Members of Congress ` both Democrats and
Republicans ` are seeking to once again bury this issue to appease
Turkey. We remember Turkey well ` a formerly strong NATO ally. In
2003, the U.S. Army requested permission to transit our ally’s
territory. Turkey said no ` a decision which cost the lives of
American service men and women. Former U.S. House Majority Leader
Dick Gephardt, once an ardent supporter of Armenian Genocide
recognition, is now registered with the Justice Department as a
foreign agent of the Turkish government. Like other former
Members, he is lobbying against the bill he cosponsored in multiple
congresses.
As a defender of human rights, America must formally recognize the
genocide Hitler once dismissed so easily. From 1915 to 1923, the
Ottoman Turks systematically annihilated more than 1.5 million
ethnic Armenians. There is no other way to describe this organized
campaign of murder than as genocide.
The Armenian Genocide Resolution, H.Res.106, is currently being
considered in the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. I hope
H.Res.106 passes the Committee, and I encourage Speaker Pelosi to
bring this important legislation to the floor so that we may
finally provide the Armenian community with the recognition and
justice they deserve.