ADL says no resolution recognizing Armenian Genocide in U.S. Congress needed

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) this week reiterated its support for efforts to bring together Turkey and Armenia to resolve differences over their shared history.

According to the Armenian Mirror-Spectator, in addition, in its statement the ADL discouraged the passing of any resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide in Congress.

Glen S. Lewy, ADL national chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL national director, issued a statement, which said, in part:

“We must encourage steps to create an atmosphere in which Armenia will respond favorably to the several recent overtures of Turkey to convene a joint commission to assist the parties in achieving a resolution of their profound differences.

“We believe there are many renowned historians, human rights activists and distinguished world leaders who are willing to lend their knowledge, experience and judgment to this cause. We know that earlier this year, Prof. Elie Wiesel and more than 50 of his fellow Nobel Laureates called for concrete steps to be taken by Turkey and Armenia to find a way forward to reach the goal of reconciliation, and that, last week, Professor Wiesel reaffirmed his support for efforts to create a body in which both Turkish and Armenian experts can come together to work cooperatively in re-examining the shared past of both peoples.

The force and passion of the debate today leaves us more convinced than ever that this issue does not belong in a forum such as the United States Congress.”