Armenian Assembly welcomes California Governor Proclamation

April 16, 2010 - 12:01 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) welcomed California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's proclamation designating April 19-26 as the "Days of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide."

"As we reflect on the importance of genocide education and prevention during the month of April, Governor Schwarzenegger reminds us all of the need to remember and learn from the lessons of the past so that man's inhumanity to man is not repeated," stated Armenian Assembly Board of Trustees Member Peter Kezirian.

The proclamation read in part: "As Americans and Californians, it is our duty to raise awareness of the Armenian Genocide and to participate in the remembrance and mourning of the loss of innocent lives."

Despite the incontestable fact of the Armenian Genocide, as well as the growing international trend toward affirmation, a destructive campaign of denial continues to prevent the healing process. As we mark the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide this April 24th, the Assembly continues to urge Congress and the President to unequivocally affirm the Armenian Genocide. To that end, the Assembly announced its National Fly-In Day to be held on April 21st entitled "Day of Advocacy and Affirmation," which coincides with the Capitol Hill Armenian Genocide Commemoration taking place that evening. For more information or to participate in meetings with your elected officials, please contact the Assembly's Grassroots Director Taniel Koushakjian at (202) 393-3434, ext. 335.

The Armenian Genocide resolution

The resolution affirming the U.S. record on the Armenian Genocide (H.Res.252) was formally introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Adam Schiff (D.-CA), George Radanovich (R.-CA), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D.-NJ), and Mark Kirk (R.-Ill). On March 4, 2010 it was adopted with a 22-21 vote by the House Committee on Foreign Relations. A similar resolution was introduced in the Senate.

The Armenian Genocide

The Armenian Genocide (1915-23) was the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I. It was characterized by massacres and deportations, involving forced marches under conditions designed to lead to the death of the deportees, with the total number of deaths reaching 1.5 million.

The majority of Armenian Diaspora communities were formed by the Genocide survivors.

Present-day Turkey denies the fact of the Armenian Genocide, justifying the atrocities as “deportation to secure Armenians”. Only a few Turkish intellectuals, including Nobel Prize winner Orhan Pamuk and scholar Taner Akcam, speak openly about the necessity to recognize this crime against humanity.

The Armenian Genocide was recognized by Uruguay, Russia, France, Lithuania, Italy, 45 U.S. states, Greece, Cyprus, Lebanon, Argentina, Belgium, Austria, Wales, Switzerland, Canada, Poland, Venezuela, Chile, Bolivia, the Vatican, Luxembourg, Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, Paraguay, Sweden, Venezuela, Slovakia, Syria, Vatican, as well as the European Parliament and the World Council of Churches.