AAA is disappointed at the statement of Barack Obama

PanARMENIAN.Net - On April 24, 2009, Armenian Assembly of America (AAA) Chairman Hirair Hovnanian, sent a letter to President Barack Obama expressing profound disappointment that the President had omitted the word Genocide in his commemorative statement on the occasion of the 94th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, AAA reported to PanARMENIAN.Net



That same afternoon, US Vice-President Joseph Biden, Jr. telephoned Chairman Hovnanian and they exchanged views on the history and status of Armenian-American community efforts to obtain affirmation by the U.S. government of the Armenian Genocide.



The full text of the letter is presented below:



"Dear Mr. President,



I am writing to express the profound disappointment of the Armenian Assembly of America and all Americans of Armenian heritage at the statement you issued marking the 94th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Your use of the phrase Mets Yeghem was an inadequate substitute for Armenian Genocide. It was a regrettable retreat from the expressed promises you made as a candidate.



Armenians around the world applauded your forthright stance when, on January 2008, you promised, "As President I will recognize the Armenian Genocide." They were further heartened when in October 2008 you stated "I believe that the Armenian Genocide is not an allegation, a personal opinion, or a point of view, but rather a widely documented fact supported by an overwhelming body of historical evidence."



Both in Turkey and in today's statement, you asserted that your view of history with regard to what happened to the Armenian population in Ottoman Turkey had not changed. Yet you clearly acquiesced to Turkish demands to avoid using the word Genocide. And in so doing, may have taken a step backwards in genocide prevention around the world. In my telephone conversation with Vice-President Biden today, we candidly discussed the history and status of efforts to obtain affirmation by the government of the Armenian Genocide. I request an opportunity to meet with you to review this problem and the concerns of the Armenian community regarding United States relations with Armenia.



As you are aware, the Armenian-American community is actively pursuing the passage of House Resolution 252 reaffirming the United States record on the Armenian Genocide. As of today, 107 members of the House of Representatives have signed on as cosponsors of the resolution. We are hopeful that the legislation will reach the floor of the House promptly and that your Administration wd support its enactment.



Mr. President, I am fully aware that issues in the South Caucasus are at a sensitive stage. The governments of Armenia and Turkey are in serious negotiations to restore their bilateral relations. That process is understood to be without preconditions. It must be an effort that is distinct and separate from the issue of the Armenian Genocide.



Clearly, any agreement between Armenia and Turkey will rest on Ankara's willingness to lift its blockade of Armenia and allow the free flow of commerce and travel. Other aspects of the agreement can not be dependent on issues unrelated to the direct relationship between Armenia and Turkey. Specifically, Azerbaijan must not be allowed to hold an agreement hostage to acquiescence of its terms for the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh problem.



I assure you that the Armenian Assembly of America will always support America's values and interests. Our mission is to strive to urge close and enduring friendshp between our nation and the Republic of Armenia. I look forward to hearing from you."



Respectfully,

Hirair Hovnanian

Chairman, Armenian Assembly of America