Barack Obama chose to allow USA to remain a hostage to Turkey's threatsApril 25, 2009 - 03:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Despite repeated statements properly characterizing the Armenian Genocide during his Senate career and a clear pledge stating that "As President, I will recognize theArmenian Genocide," President Barack Obama issued an April 24th statement evading the proper characterization of the Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian issued the following statement regarding President Obama's April 24th statement: "I join with all Armenian Americans in voicing our sharp disappointment with President Obama's failure to honor his solemn pledge to recognize the Armenian Genocide." "In falling short of his repeated and crystal clear promises, which reflected a thorough knowledge of the facts, the practical implications, and the profound moral dimension of Armenian Genocide recognition, the President chose, as a matter of policy, to allow our nation's stand against genocide to remain a hostage to Turkey's threats." "The President's statement today represents a retreat from his pledge and a setback to the vital change he promised to bring about in how America confronts the crime of genocide." "Genocide must be confronted unconditionally at the level of American values and our common humanity. As Americans, we should never allow the prevention or recognition of this crime to be reduced to a political issue that can be traded away, retreated from under pressure, or used to advance a political agenda, of any kind." "We urge the President to act quickly to correct his Administration's stand on the Armenian Genocide by properly condemning and commemorating this crime, removing Turkey's gag-rule on its recognition by the United States, and working publicly toward the adoption of the Armenian Genocide Resolution before Congress," concluded Hachikian Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |