April 08, 2014 | 04:17
Turkey’s denial of the truth and justice of the Armenian Genocide is a threat to Armenia, it is a dangerous precedent for the entire world, and it is the main obstacle on the road to the normalization of bilateral relations.
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Executive Director Aram Hamparian told the aforesaid to Armenian News-NEWS.am.
Commenting on the newly introduced US Senate legislation on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Hamparian specifically said:
“This is a long-term measure which is aimed at the US recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and the establishment of equal, constructive, steady and long-lasting Armenian-Turkish relations, which will be based on [official] Ankara’s acceptance of a right and just decision in connection with the still-unpunished crime.”
On April 3, US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez and Senator Mark Kirk introduced legislation calling upon the United States President to work toward an Armenian-Turkish relationship based on Turkey’s truthful acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide.
Senators Barbara Boxer and Ed Markey have already joined in as original cosponsors of the human rights measure.
In a statement issued upon introduction, Chairman Menendez noted, in particular, “The Armenian Genocide is a horrifying factual reality that can never be denied. This resolution reaffirms in the strongest terms that we will always remember this tragedy. The Armenian Genocide must be taught, recognized, and commemorated to prevent the re-occurrence of similar atrocities from ever happening again.”
Senator Kirk concurred specifically noting, “To honor the survivors and the memory of those lost, and to lead globally on human rights, the United States should finally join the European Union and 11 of our NATO allies in officially recognizing the Armenian Genocide.”