Armenian Genocide resolution introduced in U.S. Congress
17.03.2009 22:30 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The introduction of a resolution recognizing and
commemorating the Armenian Genocide was announced today
Today, Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced the introduction of
a resolution recognizing and commemorating the Armenian Genocide. The
resolution calls on the President and the U.S. Government to properly
recognize the atrocities that occurred in Armenia beginning in 1915,
and which resulted in 1.5 million deaths, as genocide. Rep. Schiff
authored the resolution with George Radanovich (R-CA), Frank Pallone
(D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL).
`The facts of history are clear, well documented, and
non-negotiable. One and a half million Armenians were deliberately
murdered in the first genocide of the 20th century. If we are to lead
in the effort to stop the genocide in Darfur and prevent future
atrocities, we must be willing to condemn genocide whenever and
wherever it occurs." said Schiff. `It has never served our national
interest to become complicit in the denial of genocide, and it never
will. While there are still some survivors left, we have a compelling
moral obligation to speak plainly about the past.’
Last week, Rep. Schiff and the other coauthors of the resolution wrote
to President Obama lauding him for his principled record of
recognizing the Armenian Genocide. The letter asked the President to
make a strong statement of genocide recognition on April 24th – as
President Reagan did more than 20 years ago.
`The Affirmation of the U.S. Record on the Armenian Genocide’
resolution has the bipartisan support of 77 original co-sponsors in
the House of Representatives. It calls on the President to `ensure
that the foreign policy of the United States reflects appropriate
understanding’ of the `Armenian Genocide’ and to `accurately
characterize the systematic and deliberate annihilation of 1,500,000
Armenians as genocide.’
The Armenian Genocide has been recognized by more than 20 nations
including Canada, Italy, Sweden, France, Argentina and Russia, as well
as the European Parliament. Rep. Schiff is the co-founder of the
Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of the House
Appropriations Committee, House Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence, and the House Judiciary Committee.
He represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes
the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East
San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South
Pasadena and Temple City, Adam Schiff Press Secretary, Sean Oblack
told PanARMENIAN.Net