REP. MARK KIRK REAFFIRMS PLEDGE TO SUPPORT US REAFFIRMATION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

armradio.am
05.11.2007 10:47

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).

Speaking at the reception, Kirk told guests that he has always
supported Armenian Genocide recognition, dating back to his early days
serving in the US 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 US-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."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress