THOUSANDS WILL RALLY AT THE TURKISH CONSULATE IN LA ON APRIL 24
PanArmenian
April 21 2009
Armenia
The United States has the best chance in a generation to help end the
cycle of genocide and recommit the world to the noble and necessary
cause of a future without genocide, Asbarez reports. Inspired by
this fierce urgency of now, thousands across the state of California
will rally at the Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles (6300 Wilshire
Boulevard) on Friday April 24 at 4pm to call for an end to over a
century of race murder, fueled by Turkey’s ongoing denial of its
genocide against the Armenian people.
Last year, nearly 15,000 activists converged on the Turkish Consulate
amid intensified activity by the Turkish government to prevent the
U.S. House of Representatives from recognizing the Genocide.
"We as Armenian-Americans know that our nation should properly
recognize and condemn the Armenian Genocide, and all subsequent
genocides," said Vache Thomassian, the chairman of the AYF (Armenian
Youth Federation). "Now, more than ever, we have to rise above
political expedience and take a moral stance against genocides and I
firmly believe Barack Obama has the integrity to be the leader that
does so."
As a Senator and as a presidential candidate, President Obama was
a strong advocate of proper Armenian Genocide recognition and swift
action to stop the Darfur Genocide. During his 2008 campaign for the
White House, Obama repeatedly pledged to "respond forcefully to all
genocides," including the one currently raging in Darfur.
Organized by the Armenian Youth Federation, this year’s protest comes
a month after U.S. legislators introduced a resolution calling on
the U.S. president to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide.
The demonstration will also take place against the backdrop of a
series of anti-genocide events organized throughout the U.S. and
around the world during Genocide Prevention Month.