Assembly calls on Clinton to disavow her ill-considered statement on Genocide

PanARMENIAN.Net - Members of the U.S. Congress and the Armenian Assembly of America expressed strong concerns regarding Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's remarks on the Armenian Genocide.

On January 26, Hillary Clinton, said the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the U.S. “opens a door that is a very dangerous one to go through.”

Responding to a question from a participant of a Town Hall Meeting, who asked why the U.S. does not recognize the Genocide, Clinton characterized the Armenian Genocide as an historical issue and not a political one.

In a dear colleague letter Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Robert Dold (R-IL), sponsors of the Armenian Genocide resolution, urged Members to join them in sending a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton calling on the Secretary to "disavow her ill-considered statement." The letter also urged the Obama Administration to unequivocally affirm the Armenian Genocide this April 24th and firmly recognize "genocide wherever and whenever it occurs."

Expressing surprise and dismay, the Assembly sent a letter to President Barack Obama requesting swift action. "Secretary Clinton's response is untenable and requires immediate remedy. Mr. President now is the time to fulfill your campaign promise and unequivocally affirm the Armenian Genocide," the Assembly wrote in its letter.

"We welcome this bi-partisan initiative to set the record straight," stated Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "We urge human rights activists from across the country to make sure that their Member of Congress signs this important letter to Secretary Clinton," added Ardouny.