WASHINGTON—The Armenian National Committee of America welcomed the introduction Wednesday of the Armenian Genocide Resolution in the U.S. Senate by Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and John Ensign (R-NV).
The measure is similar to legislation in the U.S. House, H.Res.252, introduced earlier this year 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). This measure already has more than 130 cosponsors.
In introducing the measure, Sen. Menendez noted, “Only when history’s darkest hours are acknowledged and understood can we truly learn from them and build a peaceful future upon those lessons. One and a half million Armenians experienced Hell on Earth, and to sweep their plight under the rug is to insult their memories and their descendants. It is long past time that our nation help set the historical record straight and provide a foundation of understanding that helps prevent future atrocities.”
Senator Ensign explained, “It’s inconceivable that after so many years the international community has yet to affirm that the deportation, expropriation, abduction, torture, massacre and starvation of the Armenian people was genocide. By joining together and affirming that genocide was committed on the Armenian people, we send a strong message to the international community that we will not turn a blind eye to the crimes of the past simply because they are in the past.”
“On behalf of all Armenian Americans, we thank Senators Menendez and Ensign for their tireless leadership in moving America toward a full and proper commemoration and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “This legislation, in seeking to end U.S. silence in the face of Turkey’s
denial of this crime, not only honors the past, but also, very powerfully, helps make Armenia and all the world safer from future genocides.”
Earlier this month, Senator Menendez spoke out about the importance of international affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, and condemned provisions in the Turkey-Armenia protocols, which would create a historical commission as “frankly absurd” and an “insult to the Armenian people.” He went on to note, “It is time that Turkey recognizes it [the Armenian Genocide] and accepts it. It is time that the world acknowledges this fact of history and moves on towards a viable peace that honors the true history of the Armenian people.” His complete remarks, delivered at an event supporting the efforts of the ANCA Eastern Region can be viewed at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g7gQBeWuY8
The resolution introduced today 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.” The resolution includes extensive findings from past U.S. hearings, resolutions and Presidential statements on the Armenian Genocide from 1916 through the present, as well as references to statements by international bodies and organizations.
The Senators and Congressmen who fight for the truth and the whole truth and nothing but the truth are in the position of pondering God. The names of Robert Menendez (D-NJ), John Ensign (R-NV), Adam Schiff (D-CA), George Radanovich (R-CA), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and Mark Kirk (R-IL) will go into World history as the greatest persons in the United States of America. Mr. Obama once dreamt about that but he was not able to. He has to ask his Daughters’ permission. After reading his two books, I could understand him.
Frankly speaking, I do no not want Turkish Government to accept the fact about Genocide, because that acceptance will grow into repentance, and both Turkish Government and Turkish Society will be able to grow into a clean and powerful unity — something I hate to even think about. And, on the contrary, while Turks do not have the understanding of redemption, the Armenian nation remains united despite the corrupt (both in their hands and in their hearts) authorities of Armenia want to split the Armenian unity for the sake of their current pockets.
jeshmarid@yahoo.com
Azeri running for congress:
http://www.vpap.org/candidates/profile/money_in_donors/170578?filter_schedule=A#
See how Azeri consul is using Huffington Post to push “thier version of the story/history”. Please go ahead and make comments.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elin-suleyamnov/symbolism-vs-reality-in-t_b_326684.html
Please, ANC, listen to your “grassroots who lead you,” as you claim whenever you kiss up to fundraise. STOP groveling to legislators who, along with the State Dept, will stop these toothless, non-binding resolutions dead in their tracks. START pressing for reparations! START enlisting Pontic Greek and Assyrian groups to join you! Please, ANC, recognize that when the tactic does not work, you must change the tactic! Otherwise, you will lose what “grassroots” you still have.
Mr. Menendez, personally assures that the Genocide Recognition process will be alive after the ratification of protocols. Do we buy it?
Notice, that on Asbarez site there are right now out of six two pictures displaying Turkish PM, two pictures of USA-leaders and one picture of the Armenian leader. Who, by the way, two days now is in Artsakh. While other sides are talking-discussing and we are anxious, he just does what should be done – is in Artsakh.