ARMENIAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY UNITED IN SUPPORT OF U.S. AFFIRMATION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

armradio.am
04.03.2010 11:46

With a critical vote pending on the Armenian Genocide Resolution in
the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the Armenian-American community
rallied support for this important human rights measure reported the
Armenian Assembly of America.

In response to the Assembly’s initiative, the letter signed by a broad
spectrum of religious, civic, humanitarian and advocacy groups said,
in part:

"The adoption of H.Res. 252, scheduled for mark-up by the House
Committee on Foreign Affairs on March 4th under the leadership of
Committee Chairman and original cosponsor, Representative Howard
Berman, will not only continue America’s commitment to the people of
Armenia, but will also send a strong message that genocide and ethnic
cleansing must not go unchecked."

H.Res. 252, introduced by Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA), George
Radanovich (R-CA), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL),
reflects a bi-partisan effort to reaffirm a proud chapter in U.S.

history when America alerted the world to the campaign of race
extermination against the Armenian people and launched an unprecedented
humanitarian relief effort to save the survivors of the first genocide
of the twentieth century.

The legislation also reinforces President Barack Obama’s stated
commitment that "America deserves a leader who speaks truthfully
about the Armenian Genocide and responds forcefully to all genocides."

"While the denialist forces are hard at work seeking to derail
affirmation of the Armenian Genocide in Congress and stifle the
teaching of the Genocide in our classrooms, the truth of history is
on our side as is the strong support of the community from coast to
coast," stated Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "We thank everyone
for joining in this pan-Armenian effort," added Ardouny.

Organizations signing the letter include: Armenian Assembly of America,
Armenian Bar Association, Armenian Catholic Eparchy in the USA,
Armenian Council of America, Armenian Evangelical Union of North
America, Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian Missionary
Association of America, Armenian National Committee of America,
Armenian Relief Society, Armenian Rights Council of America, Diocese
of the Armenian Church of America – East, Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America – West, Knights of Vartan, Prelacy of the Armenian
Apostolic Church of America – East, Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic
Church of America – West, and the World Armenian Congress.