Armenia may play an important role both in U.S.-Russian and U.S.-Turkish relations, according to Congresswoman Jackie Kanchelian-Speier.
“The United States has a military base in Turkey and wants by no means to worsen relations with the country. By recognizing the Genocide, the U.S. will first of all follow its humanitarian principles. This is the only way to foster relations with Ankara,” Kanchelian-Speier said in an interview with the Armenian service of Voice of America.
She said the American-Armenian community has an important role in strengthening of relations between the two countries, and the huge community living outside Armenia is ready to support their motherland.
Kanchelian Speier said she feels deeply offended that her country has not recognized the Genocide yet. According to her, the United States should acknowledge the Genocide in order to remain true to the Armenian community’s and to its own values.
“My mother had Armenian origins. She used to tell me about the Genocide since my early childhood, and my ancestors’ memory has been haunting me all my life. Unfortunately, our country has not recognized the first genocide of the 20th century and achieving this goal is my duty to my mother,” the congresswoman said.
She also mentioned that Armenia has been receiving half as much humanitarian aid from the United States in the past five years, decreasing from $44 million to $20 million.
“I believe that the humanitarian aid allocated to Armenia is important. Armenia is in blockade. Understandingly, the country preserved good relations with Russia, but the United States should also strengthen relations with Armenia,” Kanchelian-Speier said.
44 out of 50 U.S. states have officially recognized the Armenian Genocide.