PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 21, 2009
Contact: Michael A. Zachariades
Email: mzachariades@aaainc.org
Phone: (202) 393-3434

SENATORS MENENDEZ, ENSIGN INTRODUCE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION

Washington, DC – Earlier today, Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and John
Ensign (R-NV) introduced the Armenian Genocide Resolution in the U.S.
Senate, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).

"In the face of Turkey’s ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide, we
commend Senators Menendez and Ensign for their commitment to reaffirm
this incontestable fact and the proud chapter in U.S. history to help
save the survivors of this terrible crime against humanity," said
Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny.

The Senate action comes as the Assembly continues its advocacy efforts
to ensure unequivocal U.S. affirmation. The Assembly’s efforts
registered gains in the House with seven additional cosponsors recently
added to the House version of this bill. "Genocide affirmation and
education are the keys to prevention. The Assembly will not rest until
Armenian Genocide denial is defeated," added Ardouny.

On the introduction of this important measure, Menendez said: "Only when
history’s darkest hours are acknowledged and understood can we truly
learn from them and build a peaceful future upon those lessons. One and
a half million Armenians experienced Hell on Earth, and to sweep their
plight under the rug is to insult their memories and their descendants.
It is long past time that our nation help set the historical record
straight and provide a foundation of understanding that helps prevent
future atrocities."

Ensign added, "It is inconceivable that after so many years the
international community has yet to affirm that the deportation,
expropriation, abduction, torture, massacre and starvation of the
Armenian people was genocide. By joining together and affirming that
genocide was committed on the Armenian people, we send a strong message
to the international community that we will not turn a blind eye to the
crimes of the past simply because they are in the past."

This resolution calls upon the President to ensure that the foreign
policy of the United States reflects appropriate understanding and
sensitivity concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing,
and genocide documented in the United States record relating to the
Armenian Genocide, and for other purposes.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding
and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt
membership organization.

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