Assembly urges Turkey to come to terms with its genocidal legacy

PanARMENIAN.Net - Today, on April 24, President Barack Obama commemorated the victims of the Armenian Genocide by reiterating his position that his views on the Armenian Genocide have not changed, stating that "a full, frank, and just acknowledgement of the facts is in all of our interests," reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly). As he did last year, the President also acknowledged that the "Meds Yeghern" is commemorated in the United States "by our states, institutions, communities, and families." This is in clear contrast to the assumptions in the February 2012 United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit decision in the Movsesian case, regarding insurance claims dating back to the Armenian Genocide. It also supports the earlier opinion of the Ninth Circuit Court December 2010 decision, which made reference to President Obama's previous use of the words "Meds Yeghern" and indicated that "'Meds Yeghern is the [Armenian] term for Armenian Genocide'" and is more in keeping with the reality that 43 states have acknowledged it.

The Assembly also appreciates the statement of U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, John Heffern, and the fact that the Administration sent officials to the Armenian Genocide Commemorations held in Yerevan and Istanbul.

President Obama stated that "Nations grow stronger by acknowledging and reckoning with painful elements of the past, thereby building a foundation for a more just and tolerant future." The Assembly urges Turkey to heed the President's call and strongly urges Turkey to come to terms with its genocidal legacy.

"Today we stand with Armenians everywhere in recalling the horror of the Meds Yeghern, honoring the memory of those lost, and affirming our enduring commitment to the people of Armenia," the President's statement concluded.

"The cause of genocide affirmation and prevention is a fundamental issue for all of humanity," stated Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "While President Obama's statement builds upon last year's remarks, only by squarely acknowledging the Armenian Genocide, and confronting Turkey's denial, can the promise of prevention be realized and truly give meaning to the words 'never again'."