States News Service
April 16, 2015 Thursday

HELSINKI COMMISSION TO HOLD HEARING ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

WASHINGTON

The following information was released by the Commission on Security
and Cooperation in Europe (the Helsinki Commission):

The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as
the Helsinki Commission, today announced the following hearing:

A Century of Denial: The Armenian Genocide and the Ongoing Quest for Justice

Thursday, April 23

2:00PM

Rayburn House Office Building

Room 2175

On the 100th anniversary of the first genocide of the modern era,
Armenians are still fighting for recognition of the genocidal nature
of the massacres that began in 1915 and resulted in the death of as
many as 1.5 million people. The government of Turkey continues to deny
the genocide and actively punishes those who recognize it.

The hearing will examine denialism by the Government of Turkey and the
decades-long effort to seek accountability. The hearing will also
provide an opportunity to assess potential countercurrents in Turkish
society that could move the Government of Turkey toward recognition,
and explore what the United States and other countries can do to help
bring about recognition and eventually, reconciliation.

The following witnesses are scheduled to testify:

Dr. Taner Akam, Professor of History, Robert Aram, Marianne Kaloosdian
and Stephen and Marian Mugar Chair in Armenian Genocide Studies, Clark
University

Mr. Kenneth V. Hachikian, Chairman of the Armenian National Committee of America

Mr. Van Z. Krikorian, Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Armenian
Assembly of America

Dr. Elizabeth H. Prodromou, Visiting Associate Professor of Conflict
Resolution, The Fletcher School, Tufts University

Additional witnesses may be added.

Media Contact: Stacy Hope

202.225.1901