ACA: Turkey’s geopolitics failed to jeopardize doing the right thingJanuary 24, 2012 - 11:17 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - In light of the historic legislation recently championed by the French Senate, the Armenian Council of America is urging Congressional leaders in the United States to honor their pledge in supporting the Armenian-American citizenry by reaffirming recognition of the Armenian Genocide, including support for H.R. 304. The French bill, drafted by Valerie Boyer, a legislator from the President Sarkozy’s party, has criminalized denial of the Armenian Genocide with a punishable fine of 45,000 euros and one year of incarceration. It was passed on January 23 by the French Senate with an overwhelming majority support of 127 votes. “As we celebrate this momentous milestone as a nation, as a people, as proponents of human rights, we call upon our legislators in the House of Representatives to reaffirm their support for recognition of the Armenian Genocide,” said Sevak Khatchadorian, chairman of the Armenian Council of America. “The French government has taken a stand against Turkish leaders, who for years, have succeeded at dictating their personal interests at the expense of violating human rights and advocating denial of genocide. This time around, Turkey’s geopolitics and economic threats has not been able to jeopardize doing the right thing.” said Khatchadorian. “We also call upon President Obama to honor his pledge to support recognition of the Armenian Genocide. With more nations supporting legislation officially recognizing the Armenian Genocide and the courageous step taken by the French government, it is about time that that the leader of the free world and the members of Congress fight for justice and represent the United States as a shining example of democracy and good will,” added Khatchadorian. Top stories The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. London’s Armenian community has been left feeling “under attack” after the city’s Genocide monument was vandalised. The United States believes there should be an international mission to provide transparency. Partner news | Turkey extends military presence in Azerbaijan The Turkish parliament has adopted a bill submitted by Recep Tayyip Erdogan to extend the mandate of Turkish troops. Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. |