Targeted News Service
March 4, 2010 Thursday 3:51 AM EST
Rep. Costa Praises Approval of Armenian Genocide Resolution by Foreign
Affairs Committee
WASHINGTON
Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif. (20th CD), issued the following news release:
Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) released the following statement
today after H. Res. 252, a House resolution recognizing the Armenian
Genocide was approved by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Approval by the Committee is a key step towards the resolution being
considered by the full House of Representatives. "As we approach the
95th anniversary of the start of the Armenian Genocide, I am pleased
that members of the Foreign Affairs Committee came together to approve
this resolution," Costa said. "Established history shows that between
1915 and 1923 the Ottoman Empire systematically killed an estimated
1.5 million Armenians and drove hundreds of thousands of others into
exile from their ancestral homeland. The Armenian Genocide created a
framework for genocide, as similar atrocities continued to occur
throughout the 20th century in the Holocaust, Cambodia, Rwanda,
Bosnia, and Darfur."
Along with 42 U.S. States, the Armenian Genocide has been officially
recognized by more than 20 nations, including 11 NATO allies. As
Senators, President Obama, Vice President Biden, and Secretary of
State Clinton recognized the Armenian Genocide and called upon
Congress to adopt the Armenian Genocide Resolution.
"We simply cannot continue our policy of denial regarding the Armenian
Genocide," Costa said. "Silence on this issue runs contrary to our
nation’s values and record on human rights. Genocide must never be
glossed over and forgotten. As the President has said, the Armenian
Genocide is not an allegation, an opinion, or a point of view, but
rather a fact supported by an undeniable body of evidence."
Similar resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide have passed the
Foreign Affairs Committee in 2000, 2005, and 2007. Throughout his
career, Congressman Costa has been a strong supporter and advocate for
the Armenian community in the San Joaquin Valley and around the world.
Costa added, "World leaders, especially the United States, must
recognize this genocide and condemn any genocide around the world. I
will work to bring this resolution before the full House for a vote.
Congress must adopt this resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide
so we can truly say ‘never again.’"
Video of Congressman Costa speaking in support of the Armenian
Genocide Resolution can be seen
here( rE)