Wrong on Armenian genocide resolution
February 23rd, 2007 by
The editorial “Pelosi’s pandering against Turkey,” (Tuesday) makes the incorrect assumption that Congress’ consideration of the Armenian genocide resolution (H. Res. 106) focuses on events of the past. If the genocide in Darfur is any indication, ending genocide and crimes against humanity is the key battle of the 21st century.
Over the past 100 years, we have seen the Armenian genocide, Ukrainian famine, the Holocaust and genocide in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and now Darfur. How can the United States truly speak with moral authority in its efforts to promote peace and democracy around the world if we can’t speak truthfully about the Armenian genocide? What example are we setting through the State Department’s blatant submission to Turkey’s pressure as it lobbies our own Congress to deny this crime?
In considering H. Res. 106, the United States has a historic opportunity to honor human rights and take a step toward the reconciliation of two peoples still divided by this genocide and the state policy of denial instigated by the Turkish government since 1915. Far from focusing on the past, passage of this resolution would be an investment in our future — a future without genocide.
Karine BIRAZIAN
Executive DirectorArmenian National Committee of America
This entry was posted on Friday, February 23rd, 2007 at 7:27 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
February 25th, 2007 at 7:14 am
Perhaps the bigger question is how can the UN, the US and European Union say “Never Again” to genocide when they lack the moral and political will to enforce the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. The President of Iran has consistently called for the extermination of Israel; an incitement that is punishable under the Convention. Unless there is a willingness to act to prevent future genocides the act of remembrance of past genocides will be an enterprise of historical value only.