AAA urges House Committee to pass Armenian Genocide resolution

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian Assembly of America strongly encouraged members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee to approve H. Res. 106, which would affirm the historical truth of the Armenian Genocide.



In a letter to Committee Chairman Tom Lantos (D-CA), Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny asked Members of Congress to affirm the truth and not to allow a foreign government to dictate to Congress. The government of Turkey has pressured President Bush and Congress not to vote on the genocide measure - despite its overwhelming bi-partisan support.



"These threats from Turkey are totally irresponsible and have no place in this debate," said Ardouny. "No U.S. ally should withhold vital support in the war against terror just because it doesn't get its way on Capitol Hill. Turkey has held the U.S. hostage on this issue long enough."



Ardouny said that the Assembly is working vigorously for passage of H. Res. 106, including talking with lawmakers and staff, phone banking and alerting its nationwide membership about the pending vote.



The resolution has the support of 227 members of the House and is scheduled for a vote October 10 before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Supporters of the resolution expect approval by the committee.