SYSTEM OF A DOWN TURNS POLITICAL FOR HOUSE BILL
By Lisa Friedman, Washington Bureau
Los Angeles Daily News
Sept 27 2005
WASHINGTON – A San Fernando Valley-based rock band plans to rally
today in front of House Speaker Dennis Hastert’s Illinois office
in the hope of pressuring Congress to pass a politically sensitive
resolution recognizing the Armenian genocide.
Serj Tankian, lead singer of System of a Down, said he and fellow
band members – all of Armenian descent – hope to “get attention for
the cause” and encourage Hastert to bring the bill to House vote.
The resolution sponsored by Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Pasadena, would
have Congress formally declare that the Ottoman Empire engaged in
genocide against 1.5 million Armenians after World War I. The House
International Relations Committee passed it 35-11.
The State Department opposes the resolution, arguing that its passage
would undermine U.S. relations with Turkey, which continues to deny
that a genocide took place.
Hastert and other GOP leaders have vowed to prevent a full House vote.
Hastert officials referred questions on the genocide bill to Majority
Leader Tom DeLay. A DeLay spokesman said the resolution is not
scheduled for a vote because Gulf Coast hurricane legislation is
Congress’ top priority.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Emil Lazarian. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.
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