[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 54 (Wednesday, April 24, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         DON'T REWRITE HISTORY!

                                 ______


                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 23, 1996

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, much has been said in the U.S. 
Congress regarding events in the eastern part of the Ottoman Empire 
toward the end of World War I. Yet I urge my colleagues to consider all 
sides and not rush to judgment.
  Many of my colleagues condemn Turkey and its predecessor, the Ottoman 
Empire, for perpetrating genocide against its Christian Armenian 
population 80 years ago. Genocide is the most heinous of crimes, and 
before we make such charges, we should be absolutely certain of the 
facts.
  Many of our Nation's renowned historians and academics specializing 
in Ottoman history tell us that the events in question require more 
scholarly study. Historical evidence does not justify the genocide 
charge. While it is not disputed that Armenians died in eastern 
Anatolia during the period from 1915-1922, over 2 million Turks and 
other non-Christians also died. Although many died as a result of 
intercommunal fighting, many more died because of starvation and 
epidemic disease.
  No reasonable person can dispute the unfortunate events in eastern 
Anatolia some 80 years ago. But do we dare ignore the deaths of 2 
million non-Christian people, many at the hands of Armenian 
revolutionary groups who had allied themselves with Russian forces 
which were invading Ottoman land for territorial gains?
  Ottoman responsibility lies in the Empire's inability to protect its 
civilian population, Christian and Moslem alike, from threats of wide-
scale fighting, famine, and disaster.
  There is little to be gained from inflaming past animosities, which 
are invariably grounded in the complex political and military dynamics 
of the time. It is far more productive for all parties to look toward 
the future. Armenia and Turkey would only benefit from improved 
relations. Turkey was among the first countries to recognize Armenia 
upon its secession from the Soviet Union. Just after taking office, 
Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz emphasized Turkey's readiness to 
develop close relations and cooperation with Armenia in every field 
once the Nagorno-Karbagh conflict is resolved. He also expressed his 
government's determination and willingness to open the border posts 
with Armenia once the declaration of principles is reached between 
Armenia and Azerbaijan regarding the settlement of the conflict. 
Armenian President Ter Petrosian, while addressing the Association of 
Armenian Manufacturers and Businessmen last March noted Turkey's 
importance as an economic partner for his country, referring to Turkey 
as Armenia's shortest path to the outside world. The U.S. Congress 
should encourage progress in Turkish-Armenian relations. Any efforts 
which would hinder these developments inevitably threaten Armenia's 
economic viability.

  Western interests are served through the stabilization of the 
Caucasus. The Caspian Sea region contains oil and gas reserves second 
only to the Middle East. A pipeline passing from Azerbaijan through 
Armenia and Turkey to markets in the West would not only create an 
important alternative energy source for the West, but also would create 
necessary conditions for economic growth and development for the 
region. Commercial cooperation would lead to enhanced relations. By 
providing economic strength, this pipeline would also ensure the 
independence of new states, and would help bolster democracy and 
democratic institutions.
  Mr. Speaker, now is the time for all states in the Caucasus, Muslim 
and Christian, to put their differences behind them and work together 
for a prosperous future. I urge my colleagues interested in stability 
in the Caucasus to oppose any efforts to undermine regional 
cooperation.

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