Serj Tankian to launch a campaign for recognition of Armenian GenocideApril 9, 2009 - 01:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Known as one of the most outspoken activists in the music community, Serj Tankian, along with the help of Tom Morello and the Axis of Justice, is launching a campaign for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide to commemorate the annual global day of remembrance for victims of the human rights atrocity on April 24th. Tankian, a solo artist and visionary frontman for multi-platinum rock band System Of A Down, has posted a video on YouTube in which he and other activists urge President Obama to affirm his pledge and officially recognize the Armenian Genocide, which took place in 1915, just after the start of World War I. A powerful indictment of the Turkish government's denials, the video, which also features comments from Morello, The Coup's Boots Riley, and Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), asks viewers to call the White House to implore President Obama to put an end to Turkey's well-funded whitewash and officially recognize the Armenian Genocide. The video was directed by Ara Soudjian, who also directed Tankian's "Money" clip. "Last year, Barack Obama noted that many of the same brutal tactics employed today in Darfur are the same as those used by the Ottoman authorities against defenseless Armenians back in 1915," Tankian says. "As we approach the global day of remembrance on April 24th, we look to both the President and Congress to stand up for what's right; to speak against the Armenian Genocide and all genocides at the level of American values, and to never again allow the United States to be dragged down to the level of Turkey's threats. President Obama is the best-positioned American president in generations to help bring about real change to how America and the international community confront mass inhumanity, and our best hope to bring the peoples of the world together to end the cycle of genocide." Tankian has also written an accompanying editorial that outlines the history of the Armenian Genocide and passionately explains his personal connection to it. All four of Tankian's grandparents survived the brutal massacre. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |