ASSEMBLYMAN PAUL KREKORIAN CONDEMNS CONGRESSMAN FOR ANTI-ARMENIAN STATEMENTS

armradio.am
29.08.2008 11:19

California Assemblyman Paul Krekorian strongly condemned a US
Congressman from Tennessee who attacked an Armenian journalist and
made bigoted anti-Armenian statements last week.

Congressman Steven Cohen, one of the most strident opponents of
recognition of the Armenian Genocide, is seeking reelection to
represent a district in Memphis, Tennessee. On the eve of his
Democratic primary election last week, Cohen conducted a press
conference that was attended by Armenian-American journalist Peter
Musurlian. In a bizarre incident that was covered by the local
television news, Cohen physically assaulted Musurlian and forced him
out of the press conference. Cohen went on to justify his outrageous
conduct by referring to Armenians as assassins and murderers.

Assemblymember Krekorian, who represents the largest Armenian community
in the United States, was outraged by the inexcusable behavior of the
Congressman. In a strongly worded letter to Cohen, Krekorian demanded a
formal apology to the Armenian people. (A complete copy of Krekorian’s
letter is attached). Krekorian has also asked the Speaker of the House
of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, to investigate possible disciplinary
actions that can be taken against Cohen for this misconduct.

"I cannot tolerate this kind of bigoted slander against the Armenian
people from anyone, and especially not from a member of Congress,"
Krekorian said.

"I’m deeply disappointed that a man with such intolerant and ignorant
views will be returning to Congress for another term."