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Washington, D.C. --- Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ,) co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, made the following statement today following President Bush's proclamation on the 91st anniversary of the start of the Armenian Genocide:
"The President should have used today's 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide to promote a United States foreign policy that reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity to human rights, ethnic cleansing and genocide. Instead, President Bush failed, once again, to honor his pledge to properly characterize the Armenian Genocide as "genocide" in his annual April 24th remarks. Despite a plea by over 200 Members of Congress last week, he continues to avoid any clear reference to the Armenian Genocide."
"If America is going to live up to the standards we set for ourselves, and continue to lead the world in affirming human rights everywhere, we need to stand up and recognize the tragic events that began in 1915 for what they were---the systematic elimination of a people. The fact of the Armenian Genocide is not in dispute."
"It's time the U.S. government recognizes these actions as genocide so that we can renew our commitment to prevent such atrocities from occurring again. By properly affirming the Armenian Genocide, we can also help to ensure its legacy and rightfully honor its victims and survivors."
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