WASHINGTON–DC (ANCA)–Over forty Senators and Representatives joined Armenia’s around the world this week in commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Armenian genocide–during "Special Order" remarks on the House floor and statemen’s in the Senate–made in the weeks surrounding April 24.
Congressional Armenian Caucus co-chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) organized the April 26 House commemoration–providing Representatives an opportunity to offer 5-minute statemen’s in remembrance of the atrocities committed by the Ottoman Turkish Government from 1915-1923. Senators and House Members also submitted additional statemen’s in the days surrounding April 24. "We want to extend our appreciation to Congressman Pallone for his leadership once again this year in hosting the Armenian Genocide Special Order on the House side," said Armenian National Committee of America Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "We thank–as well–the many Representatives and Senators who offered remarks and attended commemorations–here in Washington and around the nation."
During their statemen’s–many Senators and Representatives spoke forcefully about the importance of ending US complicity in Turkey’s continued campaign of Genocide denial–pledging their support for legislation that will come before Congress on this subject. Several called for immediate US and international action to end the genocide currently taking place in Darfur–noting that Turkey’s ability to commit genocide with impunity has set a dangerous precedent for worldwide genocide prevention efforts. The Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman noted–"As we speak–the Sudanese Government is taking a page out of the Turkish Government’s denial playbook and continuing the vicious cycle of genocide denial in what is happening in Darfur. If we are ever to live in a world where crimes do not go unpunished and fundamental human rights are respected and preserved–we must come to recognize the Armenian Genocide–thus allowing for proper reparations and restitutions to be made."