19/4/15
Washington, D.C. — In Defense of Christians (IDC) Executive Director Kirsten Evans today issued the following statement:
“On Wednesday April 15th, the European Parliament joined its voice with other international bodies and adopted a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide, “paying tribute, on the eve of the centenary, to the memory of the one-and-a-half million innocent Armenian victims who perished in the Ottoman Empire.” [1] In Defense of Christians (IDC) extols the EU for this timely and needed recognition of a tragic episode in human history.
“IDC agrees that ‘genocide’, defined by the United Nations as acts committed with intent to destroy a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, accurately describes the systematic eradication of minority Christian populations in the Ottoman Empire beginning on April 24, 1915. The campaign of religious cleansing targeted men, women, and children, murdering more than a million Armenians, as well as Assyrians, Greeks, and many vulnerable members of other ancient Christian communities.
“On the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, societies championing truth and endeavoring to build a more humane world are calling upon the Turkish government to acknowledge the crime against humanity. In the face of the current ethnic cleansing of Christian communities in Iraq and Syria by the Islamic State, and the targeting of Christians by extremist groups in other parts of the world, Turkey’s acknowledgement of this dark chapter of history is imperative. Official obfuscations from Ankara, while unable to hide historical facts, only serve to reopen generational wounds in the memories of millions around the globe.
“Recognition, as highlighted by both the EU and Pope Francis, is not only necessary for reconciliation and healing, but to protect the world from repeating similar horrors. ‘Only in this way will new generations open themselves to a better future and will the sacrifice of so many become seeds of justice and peace.’ [2]
“In Defense of Christians (IDC) stands in solidarity with the descendants of the Armenian Genocide, as well as with the many Middle Eastern Christian communities that continue to suffer persecution today. As we approach its centenary, IDC calls upon Turkey to acknowledge the historical reality of the Ottoman genocide of the Armenian people.”
IDC exists to empower the Middle Eastern Christian Diaspora and energize the American people to stand in solidarity with the Christian communities in the region. Last September, at IDC’s Inaugural Summit, “Protecting and Preserving Christianity — Where It All Began,” Members of Congress, members of the Diaspora, and religious leaders from around the world gathered in Washington, D.C. to champion the cause of Middle Eastern Christians through awareness, advocacy, and unity.
[1] http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2015/04/15/EU-urges-Turkey-to-recognize-Armenian-genocide/8071429131928/
[2] http://www.news.va/en/news/full-text-address-of-pope-francis-to-the-armenian
In Defense of Christians (IDC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to the preservation and protection of Christians in the Middle East.
www.indefenseofchristians.org
400 N Capitol Street NW, Suite 585, Washington, D.C. 20001
CONTACT: Ninar Keyrouz | 202-624-6195 | press@indefenseofchristians.org
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