Pallone Statement on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
WASHINGTON DC -- Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), co-chair and founder of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, released the following statement in recognition of the 97th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, which is April 24, 2012:
“Today we commemorate the 97th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and remember the lives of the one and a half million Armenians who were needlessly slaughtered by Ottoman Turks between 1915 and 1923. Today’s anniversary gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the atrocities committed against the Armenian people as genocide and renew our commitment to prevent and end injustices where they exist.
“Armenia stands as a resilient ally of the United States and a nation dedicated to democracy and regional stability. Since I first came to Congress I have been proud to push for a formal recognition of the Armenian Genocide and as the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues I have encouraged my colleagues to do that same.
“This day also serves as a reminder that Turkey still refuses to acknowledge the fact of the Armenian genocide and reconcile itself with its own history. The Turkish leadership has broken promises of a normalization of relations with Armenia and we must not stand idly by as Turkey continues its denials of history.
“Today we commemorate the bravery of those who perished in and survived the Armenian Genocide. I remain fully committed to ensuring formal U.S. government recognition of the mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks for what it was, genocide.”