[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 44 (Wednesday, April 20, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
   CONGRESSMAN KILDEE REMEMBERS THE 79TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN 
                                GENOCIDE

                                 ______


                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 1994

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 79th 
anniversary of the Armenian genocide. The Ottoman Empire, between 1915 
and 1923, tried to advance its political interests by committing 
genocide against the Armenian people. The genocide of the Armenian 
people is widely recognized as the first genocide of the 20th century. 
Each year, throughout the United States and the world, Armenians and 
all people of good conscience pause to remember the 1.5 million victims 
of this crime against humanity.
  While these crimes are in the past, their significance has not faded 
from the consciousness of Armenia. The victims of these massacres not 
only represent the attempts of an oppressive regime to extinguish the 
dignity and spirit of a people, but also of the consequences of 
permitting such a regime to go unchecked.
  By recognizing the victims of this act of genocide, we commemorate 
both their sacrifices and those who have perished in the name of 
freedom since. In addition, recognition of this atrocity will help 
erase the vestiges of an era in which propaganda and deceit held 
precedence over truth and human dignity. The United States must take a 
stand and encourage other countries to do the same. We must always 
voice our firm opposition to the use of violence and repression as 
tools of government.
  Mr. Speaker, with the dawn of the post cold war era, and the 
emergence and development of newly independent nations, it is more 
important than ever for the United States to directly convey its rich 
tradition of respect for fundamental human rights. It is for this 
reason that I rise today to remember the anniversary of the Armenian 
genocide.

                          ____________________