Armenian-American Community united in support of U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide

4/3/2010

With a critical vote pending on the Armenian Genocide Resolution in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the Armenian-American community rallied support for this important human rights measure reported the Armenian Assembly of America.

In response to the Assembly’s initiative, the letter signed by a broad spectrum of religious, civic, humanitarian and advocacy groups said, in part:

“The adoption of H.Res. 252, scheduled for mark-up by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on March 4th under the leadership of Committee Chairman and original cosponsor, Representative Howard Berman, will not only continue America’s commitment to the people of Armenia, but will also send a strong message that genocide and ethnic cleansing must not go unchecked.”

H.Res. 252, introduced by Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA), George Radanovich (R-CA), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL), reflects a bi-partisan effort to reaffirm a proud chapter in U.S. history when America alerted the world to the campaign of race extermination against the Armenian people and launched an unprecedented humanitarian relief effort to save the survivors of the first genocide of the twentieth century.

The legislation also reinforces President Barack Obama’s stated commitment that “America deserves a leader who speaks truthfully about the Armenian Genocide and responds forcefully to all genocides.”

“While the denialist forces are hard at work seeking to derail affirmation of the Armenian Genocide in Congress and stifle the teaching of the Genocide in our classrooms, the truth of history is on our side as is the strong support of the community from coast to coast,” stated Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. “We thank everyone for joining in this pan-Armenian effort,” added Ardouny.

Organizations signing the letter include: Armenian Assembly of America, Armenian Bar Association, Armenian Catholic Eparchy in the USA, Armenian Council of America, Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian National Committee of America, Armenian Relief Society, Armenian Rights Council of America, Diocese of the Armenian Church of America – East, Diocese of the Armenian Church of America – West, Knights of Vartan, Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America – East, Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America – West, and the World Armenian Congress.

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