U.S. Presidents inherit ‘tradition’ of Armenian Genocide non-recognition
August 27, 2011 – 09:24 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net – The policy of evading the pledges given to the
Armenian voters becomes more and more obvious every year. April 24,
the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, the day when millions of people
hold breath to hear the word Genocide pronounced by the head of state,
but alas…
Looking closely at the policy pursued by the previous and current U.S.
Presidents, we can easily presume that worsening of relations with
Turkey is definitely not in the interests of the United States.
Back in 2000, George W. Bush, then presidential hopeful was
‘sincerely’ assuring of the beginning of a new era of justice. But as
the U.S. President, Bush never uttered the word Genocide and adhered
to a policy contrary to the interests of the Armenian community.
Turkish parliament member Hasan Korkmazdcan’s letter recently released
by whistleblower website WikiLeaks appeared as another proof of the
unconditional ‘subjection’ to Turkey. In the letter dated April 18,
2005, the Turkish politician expresses hope that the White House will
support Ankara’s position. `Turkish studies proved that the Armenian
claims are the result of fanaticism. We are hopeful that you will
resist this campaign which is based on a false interpretation of
events which found no proof in the archives of the Ottoman Empire,’
Korkmazdcan wrote.
Furthermore, President Bush did not support the non-binding
congressional resolution recognizing the massacre of 1.5 million of
Armenians as Genocide, which was however, passed, despite the White
House’s opposition.
Bush’s main excuse was ‘combating terrorism.’ `We deeply regret the
sufferings that befell the Armenian people in 1915 but adoption of
similar resolution would irreparably damage our relations with NATO’s
key ally in the war against terrorism,’ Bush said.
So, the presidential administration took up a firm position on the
Armenian Genocide, throwing the matter beyond the competence of
legislators. `This is the issue to be considered by historians but not
lawmakers.’
On January 19, 2008 then U.S. Senator, now U.S. President Barack Obama
released a statement: “Two years ago, I criticized the Secretary of
State for the firing of U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Evans, after
he properly used the term “genocide” to describe Turkey’s slaughter of
thousands of Armenians starting in 1915. I shared with Secretary Rice
my firmly held conviction that the Armenian Genocide is not an
allegation, a personal opinion, or a point of view, but rather a
widely documented fact supported by an overwhelming body of historical
evidence. The facts are undeniable. An official policy that calls on
diplomats to distort the historical facts is an untenable policy. As a
senator, I strongly support passage of the Armenian Genocide
Resolution (H.Res.106 and S.Res.106), and as President I will
recognize the Armenian Genocide.”
On April 24 commemoration speeches President Obama has yet referred to
the Armenian Genocide only by the Armenian synonym Mets Eghern.
President Obama stated: `On this solemn day of remembrance, we pause
to recall that ninety-five years ago one of the worst atrocities of
the 20th century began. In that dark moment of history, 1.5 million
Armenians were massacred or marched to their death in the final days
of the Ottoman Empire. Today is a day to reflect upon and draw lessons
from these terrible events. I have consistently stated my own view of
what occurred in 1915, and my view of that history has not changed. It
is in all of our interest to see the achievement a full, frank and
just acknowledgment of the facts. The Meds Yeghern is a devastating
chapter in the history of the Armenian people, and we must keep its
memory alive in honor of those who were murdered and so that we do not
repeat the grave mistakes of the past’
President Obama, just like Bush betrayed his promise to properly
recognize the Armenian Genocide, continuing the tradition of his
predecessor.
From: A. Papazian