State Department -main stumbling block on the way to Genocide
resolution passage in US Congress
08.01.2010 15:42 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Genocide resolution, submitted to US Congress
would be an element of normalization process between Armenia and
Turkey, Congressman Scott Garrett said.

Commenting on whether the Armenian Genocide resolution has yet to pass
through Congress, the congressman noted, `That, again, is one of the
easier questions. I believe it’s in large part due to pressure that
the administration receives from the State Department. Not to put all
of the fault on the State Department, but I know what happens on these
things. Members of Congress push for the legislation, advocate it on
the floor, advocate it to the administration. State is always on the
other side of this issue. Regardless of which party is in power, the
administration harkens to their pleas. The closer we think we’re
getting to the Speaker [of the House of Representatives] ever actually
posting the bill, the Speaker capitulates and sides with the
administration – again, regardless of party, unfortunately.’

`I try to remain optimistic about passing the resolution in 2010.
That’s why I join my colleagues on [the Genocide resolution], join the
trade media outcry here, join the citizenry on the issue. And that’s
eventually what it’s going to take in order to get this administration
to decide. Because at the end of the day I don’t think any of the
leaders will do so – post it [for a full House vote], with the
president adamantly opposed to it.’ Armenian Reporter cited Scott
Garrett as saying.

Since 2003 Scott Garrett has represented northern New Jersey’s Fifth
Congressional District, which, according to Armenian Church data,
includes about 10,000 Armenian-American residents. Mr. Garrett is a
supporter of the Armenian Genocide resolution and continued robust
U.S. assistance to Armenia. In April 2006, Mr. Garrett visited Armenia
on a trip for the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation; he is also a
prominent voice on the House Financial Services Committee.

The Armenian Genocide resolution (H.Res. 106) was submitted to the
House of Representatives by Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA), during
the 110th United States Congress. It is a non-binding resolution
calling upon the US 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. The resolution was
introduced on January 30, 2007.