April 04, 2014 | 15:41
US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez and Senator Mark Kirk introduced legislation, Thursday, calling upon the United States President to work toward an Armenian-Turkish relationship based on Turkey’s truthful acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
Senators Barbara Boxer and Ed Markey have already joined in as original cosponsors of the human rights measure.
“The ANCA thanks Senators Menendez and Kirk for spearheading this forward-looking Armenian Genocide measure,” specifically said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “On the eve of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, we look forward to supporting the efforts of our Senate friends to pass this vital genocide prevention 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.”