Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
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PRESS RELEASE
April 22, 2009
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434
ARMENIAN GENOCIDE COMMEMORATION IN OTTAWA DRAWS RESPONSE FROM TURKEY,
AMBASSADOR RECALLED
Washington, DC – Last night, the Canadian government participated in
Armenian Genocide commemoration events in Ottawa, which drew a strong
response from the Turkish government, ultimately resulting in the recall
of the Turkish ambassador in protest, reported the Armenian Assembly of
America (Assembly).
Prime Minister Stephen Harper recalled the "terrible loss of life during
the demise of the Ottoman empire in 1915, and in particular the horrific
suffering endured by the Armenian people." In response to Turkey’s
protest, a spokesman for the Prime Minister said that Turkey is a friend
and an ally, adding that "It’s not new that the Turkish government has a
difference of opinion around the issue of the Armenian genocide. The
Canadian government’s position is long-standing and has been affirmed by
all-party resolutions in the House of Commons. We stand by our position
and it’s not done with any intent to offend."
Anthony Barsamian, Chairman of Public Affairs for the Assembly, who
attended the event hosted by the Congress of Canadian Armenians, thanked
the government of Canada and its people saying: "Prime Minister Harper
and Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff took a moral stand five years ago
to formally affirm the Armenian Genocide in Canada. It is now time for
our government to follow our great ally and neighbor in reaffirming the
historical fact of the Armenian Genocide."
President Barack Obama has been consistent in his statements in support
of affirmation of the Armenian Genocide stating that "America deserves a
leader who speaks truthfully about the Armenian Genocide and responds
forcefully to all genocides. I intend to be that President." "This is
the change he promised and the change we expect," added Assembly
Executive Director Bryan Ardouny.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding
and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c) (3)
tax-exempt membership organization.
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NR#2009-038