U.S SHOULD RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE REGARDLESS RELATIONSHIP WITH TURKEY
/PanARMENIAN.Net/
29.05.2009 13:19 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Addressing a crowd of Armenian and Hellenic activists
on Wednesday night, Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-CA) reaffirmed his
support for U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian
Assembly of America (Assembly) told PanARMENIAN.Net.
At an event cosponsored by the Assembly, along with the American
Hellenic Council of America and the Armenian National Committee of
America, Rep. Becerra stated, "As a close friend and ally of Armenia,
it is long past time for us to recognize the historical fact of the
genocide committed against the Armenian people at the turn of the last
century – a historical fact that should be recognized, and learned
from regardless of the strong relationship that exists between us
[and Turkey]. That is why I continue to be a strong supporter and
cosponsor of Rep. Adam Schiff’s ‘Affirmation of the United States
Record on the Armenian Genocide Resolution’ in Congress."
"As an advocate for human rights issues, Congressman Becerra has
demonstrated his unwavering support to the Armenian-American community.
The Assembly appreciates his steadfast support as an active member
of the Armenian Caucus and as a cosponsor of H. Res.252, the Armenian
Genocide Resolution," stated Assembly Western Region Director, Yeghig
L. Keshishian.
Keshishian and members of the Southern California Regional Council –
Joyce Stein, Talin Yacoubian, Al Cabraloff and Richard Mushegain –
also met separately with Congressman Becerra to discuss a number of
issues confronting U.S.-Armenia relations. Keshishian shared strong
concerns about the administration’s 38 percent cut in assistance to
Armenia, as well as its support for increased military assistance
to Azerbaijan. "It is not only disappointing to see the Obama
Administration decrease funding to Armenia while increasing military
assistance to oil-rich Azerbaijan, but it also runs counter to
U.S. interests in the South Caucasus," stated Keshishian.