ACA CALLS UPON PRESIDENT OBAMA TO REAFFIRM ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

armradio.am
23.04.2009 14:20

On April 23, the Armenian Council of America (ACA) sent United States
President Barack Obama a letter. In the letter, the ACA addressed the
upcoming anticipated annual April 24th presidential statement on the
Armenian Genocide issue.

President Obama on numerous occasions during his recent visit to
the Republic of Turkey made references to the Armenian Genocide,
including stating that "my views are on the record and I have not
changed views." Previously Barack Obama has said, "I believe that
the Armenian Genocide is not an allegation and America deserves a
leader who speaks truthfully about the Armenian Genocide. I intend
to be that President."

The full text of the letter is below.

"Dear President Obama:

Victims of genocides and advocates of humanity throughout the world are
waiting to hear your words this upcoming April 24th as you remember
and commemorate the deaths of 1.5 million Armenian men, women, and
children during the period of 1915-1923 in the Ottoman Empire.

As recently as April 6th during your visit to the Republic of Turkey,
you stated that "my views are on the record and I have not changed
views" when asked about your current position on the Armenian Genocide.

In your official address to the Turkish Parliament, you directly called
upon the Turkish government to rectify its past and history on the
Armenian Genocide. It is vital that Turkey itself fully acknowledges
the 20th Century in order to be a nation of the 21st Century.

We are aware that you are treading your words on your record of the
Armenian Genocide, because the Turkish government continues to threaten
repercussions and disturbances of the U.S.-Turkish relationship should
you now as America’s president restate your position. "I believe that
the Armenian Genocide is not an allegation and America deserves a
leader who speaks truthfully about the Armenian Genocide. I intend
to be that President".

Our neighbor to the north Canada, is a fellow NATO ally of both the
United States and the Republic of Turkey. Five years ago, the Canadian
Parliament by an all-party effort, recognized the Armenian Genocide. As
recently as April 21st, the Canadian government continues to endorse
and accept the recognition of the historical reality of the Armenian
Genocide through Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s courageous statements.

Prime Minister Harper’s office maintains that Turkey is a friend and
an ally, that there is a difference of opinion around the issue of
the Armenian Genocide, but that the Canadian government stands by
their position of supporting historical truth.

Mr. President, you have been distinguished in upholding the pledges you
have made and have truly brought change in many policy areas. Will the

Armenian Genocide issue continue in your pattern of successful
achievements or will it be the exception? The Armenian Council
of America and the Armenian American community look forward to you
fulfilling your pledge in your statement on April 24th as you reaffirm
the American as well as your own record on the Armenian Genocide."