AAA: Support continues to build for U.S. affirmation of Genocide

As reported by the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly), H. Res. 252, the Armenian Genocide Resolution, has crossed a threshold with the bi-partisan support of 100 cosponsors.

“Reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide took another step forward today,” stated Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny.

“As we mark Genocide Prevention Month throughout April and the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on April 24, support continues to build for unequivocal U.S. affirmation. By affirming the Armenian Genocide, we further the cause of genocide prevention,” added Ardouny.

On the threshold of the commemoration of the 94th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, AAA Country Director Arpi Vartanian also spoke about the US’s possible recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

“When Obama was a Senator and a presidential candidate, he said numerous times that the Armenian Genocide must be recognized. And we expect that he will keep his promises,” says Vartanian. Though, she found it difficult to predict whether Obama would utter the word genocide on April 24 this year or not.

Vartanian believes that the historic events that happened recently, such as Obama’s announcement at the Turkish Parliament stating that he did not change his position concerning the issue, as well as his speech on the Rwandan Genocide’s anniversary commemoration, stating that all genocides must be prevented, do give hope.

Referring to the works carried out by the AAA, Vartanian emphasized that the AAA works not only in April, but also during the whole year for the US recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

“We work with Congressmen, Senators, the Obama administration. But the work with the community is the most important,” said Vartanian, “It was even harder before - we were working on the adoption of the Resolution by Congressmen.”

H. Res. 252, a congressional resolution which reaffirms the historical record of the United States on the Armenian Genocide, was modeled after H. Res. 106, which passed the House Committee on Foreign Affairs during the 110th Congress. H. Res. 252, was introduced by Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA), George Radanovich (R-CA) and Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairmen Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL).

In January, the Assembly launched a website, ArmenianGenocideAffirmation.com, dedicated to U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide. The website affords visitors the opportunity to send a letter to President Barack Obama or their respective Member of Congress, view the current list of all H. Res. 252 co-sponsors, join the Assembly's facebook group or become an Ambassador of Affirmation, as well as view its latest video messages.

Subscribe in a reader