OBAMA’S ADDRESS TO US ARMENIANS LOWERS TRUST TOWARDS AMERICA

PanArmenian News
April 25 2009
Armenia

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ With heightened expectations of normalized relations
between Turkey and Armenia, President Barack Obama had an opportunity
to chart a new course in his April 24th statement commemorating the
Armenian Genocide, but failed to deliver on the change he promised,
the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA) reported to PanARMENIAN.Net.

"Today’s statement does not reflect the change the President promised,"
stated AAA Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "His failure to affirm
the proud chapter in U.S. history, the American response to the first
genocide of the 20th century, has needlessly delayed the cause of
genocide affirmation and diminishes U.S. credibility with regard to
genocide prevention," added Ardouny.

In January 2008, then-Senator Obama stated: "As President I will
recognize the Armenian Genocide." In October 2008, President Obama
reiterated his views, "I believe that the Armenian Genocide is not
an allegation, a personal opinion, or a point of view, but rather a
widely documented fact supported by an overwhelming body of historical
evidence."

"Empty promises are no change at all. Today, as we reflect on the
importance of genocide education, affirmation and prevention, we
must redouble our efforts to ensure that the words ‘never again’
have true meaning – starting with the adoption of H. Res. 252 in the
U.S. House of Representatives," concluded Ardouny.