SENATORS MENENDEZ, ENSIGN INTRODUCE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION
armradio.am
22.10.2009 11:10
Earlier today, Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and John Ensign (R-NV)
introduced the Armenian Genocide Resolution in the U.S. Senate,
reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).
"In the face of Turkey’s ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide, we
commend Senators Menendez and Ensign for their commitment to reaffirm
this incontestable fact and the proud chapter in U.S. history to
help save the survivors of this terrible crime against humanity,"
said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny.
The Senate action comes as the Assembly continues its advocacy
efforts to ensure unequivocal U.S. affirmation. The Assembly’s efforts
registered gains in the House with seven additional cosponsors recently
added to the House version of this bill. "Genocide affirmation and
education are the keys to prevention. The Assembly will not rest
until Armenian Genocide denial is defeated," added Ardouny.
On the introduction of this important measure, Menendez said: "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."
Ensign added, "It is 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."
This resolution 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, and for other purposes.