GENOCIDE BILL PASSES

09:41:40 – 05/03/2010
ahos17053.html

With a vote of 23 to 22, the House Foreign Relations Committee
successfully passed House Resolution 252 (H. Res. 252) pushing the
Resolution in Congress for a final vote yet to be scheduled.

The Armenian Council of America would like to thank the members of
Congress who courageously supported H. Res. 252 with their votes on
March 4. House Resolution 252 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.

`On behalf of the ACA I’d like to express my gratitude and applaud
the courageous members of Congress who voted for this crucial bill,’
said Sevak Khatchadourian, ACA Executive Board Member. `The majority
of the members voting for the bill believe that human rights and
justice takes precedence over the pressures and monetary contributions
of the Turkish government and lobbyist.’

Recently, the Texas branch of the ACA and the Armenian American
community of Texas actively campaigned in urging the Texas Members of
Congress on the Committee to vote for the Resolution. One of the key
votes that determined the favorable outcome of the Resolution was
coincidentally Texas Rep. Green’s vote.

The Armenian and Turkish protocols played another major factor in the
Committee debate. A growing number of Members who voted against H.
Res. 252 continuously stated the Turkish Armenia Protocols and its
historical commission as the primary reasons for voting no. `The
Armenian and Turkish protocols posed as the biggest threat to the
Resolution but we fought that battle with the truth on our side,’ said
Khatchadourian, `We are hopeful that the legislation will be soon put
on the House floor for a final overdue vote.’
Over 137 House Congressional Members have cosponsored this measure,
spearheaded by Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA), George Radanovich
(R-CA), and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone
(D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL). A similar measure in the Senate
(S.Res.316) is led by Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and John Ensign
(R-NV) and currently has 13 cosponsors.