[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 54 (Wednesday, April 24, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H3776-H3784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, and 
gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Burton] is recognized for 5 minutes.

  [Mr. BURTON of Indiana addressed the House. His remarks will appear 
hereafter in the Extensions of Remarks.]

[[Page H3777]]



                     STATEMENT ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Pallone] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, today, April 24, marks the 81st anniversary 
of the unleasing of the Armenian genocide, one of the most horrible 
events of the 20th century and probably in all of human history.
  Mr. Speaker, each year Members of Congress from both the House and 
Senate take time to honor the memory of the 1.5 million Armenian men, 
women, and children who were slaughtered during the final years of the 
Ottoman Turkish Empire. I am proud to continue this congressional 
tradition today. I am joining with the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. 
Porter] and other Members from both sides in these 5-minute special 
orders.
  Mr. Speaker, between the years 1915 and 1923 in the Ottoman Turkish 
Empire, there were 1.5 million Armenians slaughtered and another 
500,000 forced to leave from their homelands. What happened was not a 
series of random atrocities but a systematic policy of deportation, 
separation of family members, slave labor, torture, and murder. 
Although the killings finally ended in 1923, efforts to erase all 
traces of the Armenian presence in what is now eastern Turkey 
continued, such as the changing of geographical names and the 
destruction of Armenian religious and cultural monuments. This was the 
first genocide of the 20th century, a precursor to the Nazi Holocaust 
and the other cases of ethnic cleansing and mass extermination of 
peoples in our own time. We must call it by its correct name: genocide.
  Yet to this day, the Government of Turkey maintains its disgraceful 
policy of denying that the genocide ever took place. The facts 
contradict those denials. The historical record, including documented 
accounts from American eyewitnesses, proves that the rulers of the 
Ottoman Empire, conceived in the name of Turkish national ideology, 
planned and carried out a program to eliminate ethnic minorities, 
especially the Armenians. The record includes the eyewitness accounts 
of journalists and diplomats on the scene and the eloquent and 
horrifying testimony of the survivors. The historic record is clear. At 
that time the word genocide had not yet been coined, but genocide is 
what it was. Yet there were no Nuremberg trials. There has been no 
official atonement by the Turkish nation. In fact, statements by me and 
other Members of Congress about the Armenian genocide are routinely 
dismissed by Turkey's Ambassador to the United States.

  We must continue to persuade Turkey, the recipient of hundreds of 
millions of dollars each year in United States aid, to officially 
acknowledge the truth, and in our own time we must insist that Turkey 
lift its illegal blockades of Armenia and accept the Armenian 
government's offer to normalize relations without preconditions.
  Just a few weeks ago, Mr. Speaker, the Turkish President came to 
Washington on a state visit. For anyone who has held out the hope that 
the President would offer an olive branch of reconciliation to the 
Armenian people, the visit was a major disappointment, though not a 
major surprise. The Government of Turkey refused to lift the blockade 
of Armenia and accept the offer of the Government of Armenia to 
normalize relations without preconditions.
  Sadly, Mr. Speaker, United States administrations have also avoided 
using the term genocide in describing what happened 80 years ago, no 
doubt under heavy pressure from the Government of Turkey. While 
President Clinton and his predecessors have acknowledged the Armenian 
people were the victims of tragic massacres, these Presidential 
statements have never sufficiently conveyed the full extent of the evil 
that occurred. Clearly this entire shameful and appalling period of 
history meets every definition of the term genocide.
  Earlier this month, the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Porter] and I, 
as cochairmen of the Caucus on Armenian Issues, asked our colleagues to 
join us in urging the President to make a much stronger statement 
acknowledging the genocide. Fifty-nine Members of Congress signed on. 
Last year many of us signed a similar letter. Sadly, although President 
Clinton last year issued a powerful statement, he carefully avoided the 
word genocide. I want you to know that I support President Clinton on 
many issues and he has shown strong support for many pro-Armenian 
initiatives. He has appointed a special United States negotiator for 
the Nagorno-Karabagh situation, and the United States Agency for 
International Development has devoted great resources to Armenia, but I 
have no problem putting the President on the spot on the question of 
calling the genocide by its proper name. It is very important and a 
clear-cut case of doing the right thing.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to say that while the purpose of our ceremony 
today is a solemn remembrance of a tragedy that affected an entire 
people, I would like to say a few words about the present and the 
future. The survivors of the genocide, their sons and daughters and 
grandchildren, have refused to accept the effort by the Ottoman Turks 
to destroy the Armenian people. In fact, in the decades since, the 
Armenian people have flourished.

  One of the most inspiring events of recent years has been the 
emergence of the Republic of Armenia, and we as Americans must support 
the Republic of Armenia. It has, through great difficulty, registered 
positive growth in its gross domestic product. It has moved forward 
with the process of democratization. It has been having elections.
  But the people of Armenia still need our help. They need American 
help now. Last year, in the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export 
Financing and Related Programs of the Committee on Appropriations, 
again primarily through Congressman Porter's help, $85 million in 
United States humanitarian aid was provided to Armenia, plus an 
additional $30 million for development assistance. Last year's foreign 
operations bill also included the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act, which 
bars aid to Turkey for as long as Turkey blocks the delivery of United 
States aid to Armenia.
  There are a number of things our caucus has been doing, and I am sure 
other Members tonight will also talk about more of them. But the main 
thing, Mr. Speaker, is we must continue our support for the Republic of 
Armenia, improving relations between the two countries, because that is 
one way that we can make it clear why this genocide, when it took place 
80 years ago, was so wrong and what the accomplishments of the Armenian 
people have been since that time.
  Mr. Speaker, today, April 24, 1996, marks the 81st anniversary of the 
unleashing of the Armenian genocide, one of the most horrible events of 
the 20th century, and in all of human history.
  Each year Members of Congress from both the House and the Senate take 
time to honor the memory of the 1.5 million Armenian men, women, and 
children who were slaughtered during the final years of the Ottoman 
Turkish Empire. I am proud to continue this proud congressional 
tradition today.
  I am joining with the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Porter] and other 
members from both sides in the aisle in a series of 5-minute special 
orders to commemorate this tragic anniversary. Other Members are 
submitting statements in writing testifying to their deep concern about 
this issue.
  Mr. Speaker, between the years 1915 and 1923, in the Ottoman Turkish 
Empire, 1.5 million Armenians were slaughtered and another 500,000 were 
forced to leave from their homelands. What happened was not a series of 
random atrocities, but a systematic policy of deportations, separation 
of family members, slave labor, torture, and murder. Although the 
killings finally ended in 1923 efforts to erase all traces of the 
Armenian presence in what is now eastern Turkey continued, such as the 
changing of geographical names and the destruction of Armenian 
religious and cultural monuments. This was the first genocide of the 
20th century, a precursor to the Nazi Holocaust and the other case of 
ethnic cleaning and mass extermination of peoples in our own time. We 
must call it by its correct name: genocide.
  Yet, to this day, the Government of Turkey maintains its disgraceful 
policy of denying that the genocide ever took place. But the facts 
contradict these denials: The historical record, including documented 
accounts from American eyewitnesses, proves that the rules of the 
Ottoman Empire conceived, in the name of Turkish nationalist ideology, 
planned and carried out a program to eliminate ethnic minorities, 
especially the Armenians. The record includes the eyewitness accounts 
of journalists

[[Page H3778]]

and diplomats on the scene, and the eloquent and horrifying testimony 
of the survivors. The historic record is clear. At that time, the word 
genocide had not yet been coined, but genocide is what it was. Yet 
there were no Nuremberg trials. These has been no official atonement by 
the Turkish nation. In fact, statements by me and other Members of 
Congress about the Armenian genocide are routinely dismissed by 
Turkey's Ambassador to the United States.
  We must continue to persuade Turkey, the recipient of hundreds of 
millions of dollars each year in United States aid, to officially 
acknowledge the truth. And in our own time, we must insist that Turkey 
lift its illegal blockade of Armenia and accept the Armenian 
government's offer to normalize relations without preconditions.
  Just a few weeks ago, the Turkish President came to Washington on a 
state visit. For anyone who has held out the hope that President 
Demirel would offer an olive branch of reconciliation to the Armenian 
people, the visit was a major disappointment--though not a major 
surprise. The Government of Turkey refuses to lift its blockade of 
Armenia and to accept the offer of the Government of Armenia to 
normalize relations without preconditions.
  Sadly, United States administrations have also avoided using the term 
``genocide'' in describing what happened 80 years ago--no doubt under 
heavy pressure from the Government of Turkey. While President Clinton 
and his predecessors have acknowledged that the Armenian people were 
the victims of tragic massacres, these Presidential statements have 
never sufficiently conveyed the full extent of the evil that occurred. 
Clearly, this entire shameful and appalling period of history meets 
every definition of the term ``genocide.''
  Earlier this month, Congressman Porter and I, as cochairmen of the 
Caucus on Armenian Issues, asked our colleagues to join us in urging 
the President to make a much stronger statement acknowledging the 
genocide. Fifty-nine Members of Congress signed on. Last year, many of 
us signed a similar letter to the President. Sadly, although President 
Clinton last year issued a powerful statement, he carefully avoided the 
word ``genocide.'' I support President Clinton on many issues, and he 
has shown strong support for many pro-Armenian initiatives. He has 
appointed a special U.S. negotiator for the Nagorno-Karabakh situation, 
and the U.S. Agency for International Development [AID] has devoted 
great resources to Armenia. But I have no problem putting the President 
on the spot on the question of calling the genocide by its proper name. 
It is so very important, and such a clear-cut case of doing the right 
thing.

  While the purpose of today's ceremony is a solemn remembrance of a 
tragedy that affected an entire people, I would like to say a few words 
about the present and the future. The survivors of the genocide, their 
sons and daughters and their grandchildren, have refused to accept the 
effort by the Ottoman Turks to destroy the Armenian people. In fact, in 
the decades since, the Armenian people have flourished. The Armenians 
who came to the United States and their descendants have made 
tremendous contributions to our business, professional, and cultural 
life. Armenians have made new lives and significant contributions in 
many other countries.
  One of the most inspiring events of recent years has been the 
emergence of the Republic of Armenia. Rising out of the ashes of the 
former Soviet Union, the Republic of Armenia has shown a remarkable 
resilience, a commitment to democracy and a market economy. And it has 
not been easy: Armenia has been squeezed by cruel and illegal blockades 
imposed by modern Armenia's two neighbors, Turkey and Azerbaijan. Some 
of the noises coming out of Moscow, about a reunited Soviet Union, are 
most troubling. In spite of these difficulties, Armenia has been the 
only former Soviet Republic to register positive growth in its gross 
domestic product. The Republic of Armenia also moves forward with the 
process of democratization, having held Parliamentary elections last 
year and planning for Presidential elections this year.
  But the people of Armenia need our help--American help--now. We must 
do everything possible to make sure that they get that assistance, and 
many of my colleagues are working equally hard.
  The foreign operations appropriations for fiscal year 1996 provided 
$85 million in U.S. humanitarian aid, plus an additional $30 million 
for development assistance. Last year's foreign operations bill also 
included the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act, which bars aid to Turkey 
for as long as Turkey blocks the delivery of United States aid to 
Armenia. We are working to have this provision reenacted, and to make 
sure that the administration strictly enforces this law. In addition, 
last year's foreign aid bill had a cut in aid to Turkey, as a direct 
statement of disapproval for Turkey's actions with regards to the 
Armenian blockade, as well as the mistreatment of the Kurdish people, 
its occupation of Cyprus and its generally bad human rights record. I 
find it incredible that a country that gets $600 million in U.S. 
taxpayers' funds can get away with blocking the delivery of American 
humanitarian assistance to its small, struggling neighbor.

  Another way we can help Armenia is by ending the illegal blockade 
imposed by Armenia's neighbor to the east, Azerbaijan. Current U.S. law 
blocks the provision of American assistance to Azerbaijan until the 
Azeris lift their blockade. Unfortunately, last year, legislation to 
waive this law was included in the foreign operations bill. This year, 
we will try to be more vigilant to make sure that Azerbaijan is not 
rewarded for failure to comply with the conditions of United States 
under the Freedom Support Act.
  Last year, Congressman Porter and I founded the Congressional Caucus 
on Armenian Issues, to be a voice for a stronger United States-Armenia 
partnership and to better represent the interests of the Armenian-
American community. We now have 49 Members, from both parties and all 
regions of the country. There is a lot of sympathy and moral support 
for Armenia in the Congress, in the administration, among state 
legislators around the country, and among the American people in 
general. But we should not kid ourselves: we are up against very strong 
forces, in the State Department and the Pentagon who believe we must 
continue to appease Turkey, and among United States and international 
business interests whose concerns with profits and sources of raw 
materials outweigh their concerns for the people of Armenia.
  In closing, let me pay particular tribute to the survivors of the 
genocide. The horrors you have witnessed and experienced are 
unspeakable. Yet we must never forget what happened to you, your 
brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, friends, and neighbors. I 
will do all that I can to keep alive the memory of what happened to the 
Armenian people in the past--and to play a role in working for a 
brighter future for the Armenian people.
  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, today, I join in commemoration of the 81st 
anniversary of the Armenian genocide. On April 24, 1915, under the 
direction of the Turkish Ottoman Empire, a campaign of Armenian 
extermination began. Armenian religious, political, and intellectual 
leaders from Istanbul were arrested and exiled--silencing the leading 
representatives of the Armenian community in the Ottoman Empire. Over 
the next 8 years, 1.5 million Armenians were murdered, with another 
500,000 forced into Russian exile. Today we recognize the struggle of 
the Armenian people to live peacefully in their historic homeland.
  Armenians in the United States and elsewhere should know that their 
history of suffering has not and will not be ignored. Like the Jewish 
and Cambodian holocausts, the Armenian genocide stands out as one of 
the world's most morally reprehensible acts. We need to address and 
trace the causal factors leading to the rise of totalitarian 
governments, and ensure that the seeds of fascism are never again 
planted.
  On this day, we should remember those Armenians who died 81 years 
ago. I have cosponsored House Concurrent Resolution 47, which would put 
the House on record honoring the memory of the 1.5 million genocide 
victims. The House should pass this resolution and send a message to 
the world that we will never forget what happened during that terrible 
period in history and that we reaffirm our resolve to ensure that no 
nation will ever again have the opportunity to participate in mass 
genocide.
  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my colleagues in 
remembering and paying tribute to the victims of the Armenian genocide. 
The tragedy of these murders cannot be overestimated--millions lost, a 
generation of mothers and fathers, children and grandchildren killed. I 
rise in solidarity with the people of the Armenian-American community, 
as well as with the people of Armenia, because I feel a connection 
through tragedy with them. I share that disabling sense of loss that 
many in the Armenian community feel because I lost members of my family 
in another Holocaust at the hands of the Nazis. I believe it is vitally 
important to talk about these heartbreaking events, to keep the spirit 
of those who died alive for the benefit of the world. And we must 
continue to call attention to the horror and the inhumanity of genocide 
whenever it takes place.
  The Armenians who perished at the hands of the young Turk Committee 
between the years of 1915 and 1923 were people like you and me--they 
had raised families, worked hard, enjoyed holidays together, had petty 
arguments, shared joys and sorrows. These people, just like you and me, 
were killed because of who they were, and even today, 81 years later, 
this chills us to the bone.
  The atrocities began on April 24, 1915, when 200 Armenian religious, 
political, and intellectual leaders from Istanbul were arrested and 
exiled from their community in the Ottoman capital. Over the next 8 
years, more than 1 million men, women, and children experienced 
deportation, forced labor, and in some

[[Page H3779]]

cases, torture and extermination. This tragedy set the tone for an 
entire century in which crimes against humanity plague our history 
books and continue to cover the front page of newspapers.
  I am convinced of one thing--the Armenian genocide existed. We know 
it did. The National Archives holds the most comprehensive 
documentation in the world on this historic tragedy, over 30,000 pages. 
More importantly, I have talked with those who survived it. Armenians 
suffered then, and continue to do so, whenever the atrocity is denied.
  I think the most important thing we can do as a nation is acknowledge 
this tragedy and continue to pay tribute to those Armenians who 
perished under such terrible circumstances. it is my hope that by 
preserving these victims and their terrible experiences in our communal 
memory, we not only honor them, but may even prevent similar situations 
in the future from occurring.
  Mrs. KENNELLY. Mr. Speaker, today, on the 81st anniversary of the 
Armenian genocide, I rise to commemorate the lives of the 1.5 million 
Armenians who were enslaved, tortured and exterminated from 1915 to 
1923 by the Ottoman Empire.
  On this day in 1915, Armenian intellectuals, clergy and leaders were 
rounded up and taken to their deaths. What was to follow was the ethnic 
cleansing of the native homeland of the Armenian people. Over a period 
of 8 years, 1.5 million Armenians were murdered and another 500,000 
were deported. Before World War I, over 2 million Armenians lived in 
the Ottoman Empire. By 1923, the entire population of Anatolia and 
Western Armenia had been killed or deported.
  This was the first genocide of the 20th century, and, tragically, it 
was not the last. Prior to the invasion of Poland, Adolf Hitler asked, 
``Who today remembers the extermination of the Armenians?'' In a 
climate where no one remembered, the death camps became a reality.
  Today, as the slaughter continues in Bosnia and Rwanda, it is more 
important than ever to remember--and to stand up to oppose genocide, 
systematic extermination, or ethnic cleansing. I have cosponsored H. 
Con Res. 47, a resolution commemorating the Armenian genocide, because 
of my belief that we must never forget the victims of this terrible 
act, and that we must always be prepared to prevent further crimes 
against humanity.
  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, one of the most profound 
calls to action ever written emerged from the Holocaust. Martin 
Niemuller expressed so well the guilty anguish of silence:

     First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out 
           because I was not a socialist.
     Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak 
           out because I was not a trade unionist.
     Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak because I 
           was not a Jew.
     Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for 
           me.

  This quote is telling because it can be said as much for the Armenian 
genocide as the Jewish Holocaust.
  In fact, it has not been lost on historians of this century that the 
failure to recognize the Armenian genocide for what it was made it 
easier, not harder, for evil men like Hitler to believe they could do 
the same.
  Today we in Congress are solemnly observing the tragedy of the 
Armenian genocide.
  By observing this event we honor the bravery and courage of those who 
survived and we honor the memory of those who perished.
  By observing this event we take a small step toward ensuring that 
such horrors will never occur again.
  I am honored today to rise on behalf of Rhode Island's Armenian 
community--a vital and dynamic group that has made an incalculable 
contribution to the life of my State.
  During my years in the Rhode Island General Assembly I joined my 
colleagues in consistently passing resolutions commemorating the 
Armenian genocide.
  Additionally, we passed a resolution that condemned the removal of a 
photograph from the Ellis Island Museum which depicted horrors visited 
upon Armenians. Rhode Island was the first State in the Nation to issue 
such a resolution.
  We can not erase the past by hiding it. We can not make today better 
by ignoring yesterday. While history may not be pleasant, it is grossly 
irresponsible to refuse to face the past and all the truths it 
contains. This photo was restored and visitors were allowed to see the 
past and learn from history.
  As has often been remarked, those who forget the past are condemned 
to repeat it. Because of that ever-present risk we must all work to 
always remember and never forget the genocide, to cherish and preserve 
the Armenian culture, and to continue to fight for human rights and 
peace in this region.
  Not until all Armenians are safe and secure, protected from harm and 
threat, will our work be done. Not until that day will our cause be 
won.
  Not until that day can we rest.
  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 81st 
anniversary of the Armenian genocide. Each year, I join my House 
colleagues from both sides of the aisle in remembering the terrible 
atrocities that have been committed by Turkey against the Armenian 
people.
  Members of Congress rise in this chamber every spring to publicly 
remember the genocide, but far too often these words and speeches are 
quickly forgotten. Far too often, people want nothing more than to 
forget that mankind can be so cruel. Far too often, people whisper 
quietly in the dark among themselves about how such a terrible thing as 
the Armenian genocide could never happen again.
  Mr. Speaker, those people who whisper such words are wrong, terribly 
wrong. First, I would like to talk about how the Armenian genocide 
began. It began on April 24, 1915, when over 400 religious, political, 
and intellectual leaders of the Armenian community in Constantinople 
were executed by the Turkish Government. Thus began a war of ethnic 
genocide by the Ottoman Empire against Armenians that finally ended in 
1923, when over half of the world's Armenian population--an estimated 
1.5 million men, women, and children--had been killed. By the end of 
1923, virtually the entire Armenian population of Anatolia and western 
Armenia was dead.
  While it is important to remember this horrible fact of history in 
order to help comfort the survivors, we must also remain eternally 
vigilant in order to protect Armenia from new and more hostile 
aggressors. Even now, as we rise to commemorate the accomplishments of 
the Armenian people and mourn the tragedies they have suffered, Turkey 
and other countries are attempting to break Armenia down by maintaining 
a crushing and total blockade against this free nation.
  For five consecutive years, Turkey and the former Soviet Republic of 
Azerbaijan have maintained a blockade of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh. 
The blockade has cut off the transport of food, fuel, medicine, and all 
other commodities. The blockade has driven over 90 percent of Armenia's 
population below a poverty level of $1.00 a day. As many as one-fifth 
of Armenia's 3.6 million people have fled the country. Because of the 
ongoing blockade and long winters without heat, thousands of Armenians 
have died from the harsh cold. These deaths are on Turkish hands, just 
as the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians earlier this century are on 
Turkish hands.
  Last year, I led the fight in the House of Representatives to protect 
Armenia from this vicious blockade by Turkey and Azerbaijan by 
stripping out a provision in the fiscal year 1996 Foreign Operations 
appropriations bill that would have allowed the United Stated 
Government to provide direct cash payments to the Government of 
Azerbaijan before Azerbaijan had lifted its blockade of Armenia.
  My amendment was approved by a voice vote, demonstrating widespread 
bipartisan support among House members for maintaining the strict 
sanctions against the Azerbaijani Government. There were over 2 hours 
of debate on the amendment, during which both Republicans and Democrats 
spoke strongly in favor of keeping prior U.S. law in place.
  Although it has suffered greatly, Armenia is once again a sovereign, 
independent country. Its people are strong and determined to succeed. I 
am proud to support Armenia and the many noble ideals it represents. It 
is my sincere hope that the United States continues to strengthen its 
relationship with the nation and the people of Armenia.
  Towards that end, I am extremely pleased that a strong and vibrant 
Armenian-American community is flourishing in northwest Indiana. In 
fact, my predecessor in the House of Representatives, the late Adam 
Benjamin, was of Armenian heritage. There are still strong ties to the 
Armenian homeland among Armenian-Americans. During the devastating 
Armenian winter of 1992-1993, Mrs. Vicki Hovanessian and her husband, 
Dr. Raffy Hovanessian, residents of Indiana's First Congressional 
district, helped to raise over $750,000 for purchases of winter rescue 
supplies of heating fuel and foodstuffs. In the last 12 months, alone, 
the Hovanessians have raised over $1,000,000 for charitable and 
educational purposes in Armenia and the United States. Two other 
Armenian families in my congressional district, Heratch and Sonya 
Doumanian and Ara and Rosy Yeretsian, have also contributed countless 
hours and resources toward charitable works in the United States and 
Armenia. One of the notable causes for which they have worked is the 
Saint Nersses Seminary in New York, which sponsors an exchange program 
between the United States and Armenia for new seminarians. I commend 
these generous families for their hard work and dedication to 
charitable giving.
  In closing, I would like to commend my colleagues, Representatives 
Porter and Pallone, for organizing this special order to commemorate 
the 81st anniversary of the Armenian genocide. This remembrance will 
not

[[Page H3780]]

only console the survivors and their families, but it may also serve to 
avert future atrocities.
  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, this is a solemn day in the 
history of the modern world. Eighty-one years ago today began a period 
of systematic persecution of the Armenian people--what would become one 
of the more terrible cases of state-sponsored terrorism against an 
ethnic group.
  Beginning with the execution of some 200 leaders from the Armenian 
community on April 24, 1915, Armenians in Turkey were subjected to 
cruel and brutal treatment. Those of Armenian descent serving in the 
Ottoman army were subjected to forced labor and later executed. Women 
were raped or forced into prostitution. Thousands of men, women, and 
children were forced to leave their villages and either killed outright 
or sent on death marches through the desert, where they suffered 
horribly from disease and starvation.
  When it was all over, nearly 10 years later, 1\1/2\ million Armenians 
were dead--victims of torture, executions, and forced labor--and 
hundreds of thousands of others were refugees. The terrible results of 
this systematic persecution can still be seen today: where once over 2 
million Armenians lived in Ottoman Turkey, less than 80,000 live in the 
region today.
  Many years have passed since the Armenian genocide, but we must never 
forget what happened to the Armenians of Ottoman Turkey solely because 
of their ethnicity. We must make sure that our children, and their 
children, learn about the genocide and understand the circumstances 
which led to such a horrific event in history.
  In remembering the millions who died so tragically and unnecessarily, 
we would be well to remind ourselves of what the terrible effects of 
racism and bigotry can be. When a nation sees political gain in 
supporting ethnic persecution, as Ottoman Turkey did in persecuting the 
Armenian people, the result can only be disaster and tragedy.
  We must also remember that individual cases of persecution are often 
followed by more extreme measures. The Armenian genocide of 1915-1923 
had followed decades of anti-Armenian persecution in Ottoman Turkey.
  For these reasons, we must never, never tolerate discrimination or 
bigotry in any form, whether it comes from a single individual or a 
whole government. We must work together to ensure that such a horrible 
tragedy as befell the Armenian people never happens again.
  Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand and join with my 
colleagues in commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Armenian 
genocide. I would like to thank the other members of the Congressional 
Caucus on Armenian Issues, and particularly the cochairmen, Mr. Porter 
and Mr. Pallone, for their tireless efforts in organizing this fitting 
tribute.
  On April 24, 1915, 81 years ago today, the nightmare in Armenia 
began. Hundreds of Armenian religious, political, and educational 
leaders were arrested, exiled, and murdered. These events marked the 
beginning of the systematic execution of the Armenian people by the 
Ottoman Empire, and also launched the first genocide of the 20th 
century. Over the next 8 years, 1.5 million Armenians were put to their 
deaths and more than 500,000 more were exiled from their homes. The 
details of these atrocities are among the most cruel and inhumane acts 
that have ever been recorded.
  As we reflect today on the horrors that were initiated 81 years ago, 
I cannot help but be disturbed by the forces who wish to discredit or 
deny that these deeds occurred. Despite the overwhelming evidence to 
the contrary--eyewitness accounts, official archives, photographic 
evidence, diplomatic reports, and testimony of survivors--they reject 
the claim that genocide, or any other crime for that matter, was 
perpetrated against Armenians. Well, History tells a different story.
  Let me read a quote from Henry Morgenthau, Sr., United States 
Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire at the time, which helps to set the 
record straight. He said, ``When the Turkish authorities gave the 
orders for these deportations, they were merely giving the death 
warrant to a whole race; they understood this well, and, in their 
conversations with me, they made no particular attempt to conceal the 
fact * * *.''
  The world knows the truth about this sad episode of human affairs. We 
will not allow those who wish to rewrite history to absolve themselves 
from responsibility for their actions. This evening's event here in the 
House of Representatives is testament to that fact. I would like to 
once again thank the organizers of this event and I would like to once 
again reaffirm my sincere thanks for being given the opportunity to 
participate in this solemn remembrance.
  Mr. ZIMMER. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to join my colleagues 
today in remembering and honoring the 1\1/2\ million Armenians who were 
victims of a brutal campaign of genocide between 1915 and 1923 by the 
Ottoman Empire and its successor state.
  This systematic campaign of murder and forced exile is one of the 
darkest events in this century, and as we recognize it we should also 
vow to do whatever we can to help prevent such atrocities again.
  Today, we honor those who fell in the Armenian genocide. But we also 
honor the spirit of perseverance and courage that has enabled Armenians 
to transcend such horrible destruction by surviving not only as 
individuals but also as a vital people.
  Eighty years after the onset of the genocide, Armenia is an 
independent, democratic state. It was the first among the former Soviet 
republics to privatize agricultural land and livestock production, and 
it is working hard to build a strong economy despite tremendous 
obstacles, both natural and manmade. The 1988 earthquake continues to 
leave deep scars, and the blockade of Armenia's rail lines and roads 
has severely limited international trade. Turkey's refusal to allow 
humanitarian relief to pass through its territory to Armenia also has 
taken a tragic human toll.
  Armenians time and again have displayed enormous courage in the face 
of adversity, and it is that quality that we commemorate the most here 
today, even as we honor those Armenians who suffered the evil of the 
genocide eight decades ago.
  Ms. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, today we mourn the 1.5 million victims of 
an unspeakable 8-year genocide carried out 81 years ago.
  From 1915 to 1923, over 1.5 million Armenians living in Turkey were 
systemically murdered by the Ottoman Empire. And, throughout history, 
the world has experienced other horrible acts of cruelty such as the 
killing of 12 million in the Holocaust, ethnic cleansing/tribal warfare 
in Bosnia and Rwanda and, most recently, the bombing in Oklahoma City. 
That is why it is so important for us to remember this senseless 
tragedy every year--so that we remain vigilant in our efforts to 
promote peace and democracy throughout the world in order to help 
prevent such atrocious crimes from repeating themselves. Only by 
remembering such heinous acts can we move forward as a nation.
  As we pay tribute to those Armenians who lost their lives, we must 
also continue to denounce racism, sexism, anti-semitism, bigotry, 
religious persecution, and ethnic violence both in the United States 
and throughout the world. And, taking the necessary steps to eradicate 
these prejudices will allow us to celebrate the many contributions that 
all groups of people have made to our country.
  As the world took steps to end the tremendous suffering endured over 
80 years ago, thousands of Armenians came to the United States in 
search of better lives. Today, they, their children, and their 
children's children represent what is best in America. Having one of 
this Nation's largest Armenian community's in my district, I am proud 
to say that their strong sense of work ethic and family values, among 
other things, is a model for other families to follow.
  But, despite everything that has been achieved over the past 81 
years, we cannot forget the plight that Armenia continues to face. In 
the middle of the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict, Armenia finds itself in a 
struggle for survival. Not only must the international community 
continue to increase its efforts to bring about democracy and stability 
in the TransCaucuses, but the United States must also must continue its 
resolve to restore security in the region and cleanse it of ethnic 
hatred.
  All of us will forever remember this horrible tragedy. But, by 
working together with other countries to resolve present international 
conflicts, we will hopefully never have to speak about a similar 
tragedy in the future.
  Mr. DOOLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my 
colleagues once again in remembrance of the Armenian genocide.
  In commemorating this terrible human tragedy, it is important for us 
to remember other such tragedies that have occurred throughout history. 
In recent years, the horrifying reports of systematic ethnic cleansing 
and other atrocities in the war-ravaged former Yugoslavia have demanded 
the attention and response of the Western world. The Balkan conflict 
has proven to be a very powerful and chilling reminder that if such 
aggression is ignored, an event much like the Jewish Holocaust can all 
to easily occur again.
  The events of the Balkan conflict have brought the Jewish Holocaust 
back to the center of human consciousness regarding the history of 
human tragedies and genocide. While it is important to remember that 
tragedy, we must not forget that Adolf Hitler's plan for the final 
solution was rooted in the Armenian genocide. Today, we must remember 
the Armenian genocide and reflect upon the suffering endured by Armenia 
and her people.
  One and one-half million Armenian people were massacred by the 
Ottoman Turkish Empire between 1915 and 1923. More than 500,000 
Armenians were exiled from a homeland that their ancestors had occupied 
for more than 3,000 years. A race of people was nearly eliminated.

[[Page H3781]]

  However great the loss of human life and homeland that occurred 
during the genocide, a greater tragedy would be to forget that the 
Armenian genocide ever happened. Adolf Hitler, predicted that no one 
would remember the atrocities and human suffering endured by the 
Armenians, years prior to unleashing his plans for the Jewish 
Holocaust. After all, he claimed, ``Who remembers the Armenians?'' Our 
statements today are intended to preserve the memory of the Armenian 
loss, and to remind the world that the Turkish Government--to this 
day--refuses to acknowledge the Armenian genocide.
  The 81st anniversary also brings to my mind the current plight of the 
Armenian people, who are still immersed in tragedy and violence. The 
unrest between Armenian and Azerbaijan continues in the enclave of 
Nagorno-Karabagh. Thousands of innocent people have already perished in 
this dispute, and still many more have been displaced and are homeless. 
In fact, families from my own district in central California have 
become tragically involved in this conflict.
  In the face of this difficult situation comes an opportunity for 
reconciliation. Now is the time for Armenia and its neighbors, 
including Turkey, to come together, to work toward a sustaining peace 
and to rebuild relationships between countries. The first step, must be 
to recognize the facts of history, however painful or awkward that may 
be.
  Meanwhile, in America, the Armenian-American community continues to 
thrive and to provide assistance and solidarity to its countrymen and 
women abroad. Now numbering nearly one million, the Armenian-American 
community is bound together by strong generational and family ties, an 
enduring work ethic and a proud tradition of ethnic heritage. Today we 
recall the tragedy of their past, not to place blame, but to answer a 
fundamental question, ``Who remembers the Armenians?''
  Today our commemoration of the Armenian genocide speaks directly to 
that end, and I answer--We do.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of the victims of 
the Armenian genocide.
  Today is the 81st anniversary of the beginning of the genocide that 
ultimately took the lives of one-and-a-half million Armenian men, women 
and children. On April 24, 1915, 200 Armenian religious, intellectual 
and political leaders in Constantinople were arrested by the Government 
of the Ottoman Empire and murdered. It was the beginning of the first 
genocide of the 20th century, and it continued until 1923. It was a 
vicious, organized crime against humanity that included murder, 
deportation, torture and slave labor.
  The permanent exhibition of the United States Holocaust Memorial 
Museum, just a few blocks from here, contains an excerpt from a speech 
by Adolf Hitler which says: ``Who after all, speaks today of the 
annihilation of the Armenians?'' Mr. Speaker, that is why we must speak 
today about the Armenian genocide of 1915-23. So that no individual or 
government can ever think that such a crime against humanity will be 
forgotten. By commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Armenian 
genocide we bring attention to an atrocity that most of the world knows 
very little about. It is a part of history that must not be forgotten.
  The Armenian genocide was followed by a concerted effort to destroy 
any record of the Armenians in Asia Minor, including the destruction of 
religious and cultural monuments, and the changing of place names. I am 
saddened that there are those who would prefer to forget the Armenian 
genocide. To ignore it is to desecrate the memory of those who lost 
their lives. And such denial sends the message that genocide will be 
tolerated by the world.
  To deny the genocide of the Armenians, or any atrocity of this scale, 
is to forsake the value we place on human life and the principles of 
liberty upon which this country is based. Those who turn a deaf ear to 
the Armenian genocide, knowingly or unknowingly, abet the future of 
genocide by failing to raise public consciousness about this tragic 
reality.
  As we remember those whose lives were brutally taken during the 
Armenian genocide, we also pay tribute to the survivors--the living 
testimony of this historic crime--and to their families, many of whom 
are now Armenian-Americans. We must assure them that we, as the leaders 
of the democratic world, will not forget this tragedy, but rather gain 
the wisdom and knowledge necessary to ensure that we can prevent its 
repetition.
  The surest way to honor the memory of the victims of the Armenian 
genocide and all crimes against humanity is to recognize their 
suffering and ensure that these acts are never repeated. As we pause to 
reflect upon this grievous example of man's inhumanity to man, let us 
strengthen our conviction that such atrocities never be allowed to 
happen again.
  Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, on this solemn day of remembrance I join 
Armenians throughout the United States and around the world in 
commemorating the genocide of innocent Armenian men, women, and 
children slaughtered with ruthless precision during the closing days of 
the Ottoman Empire. It is crucial that we recall the chilling events of 
this dark chapter in world history, face the historical facts directly 
and without hesitation, and dedicate ourselves to preventing such 
atrocities in the future.
  The historical record shows that in 1915, a systematic massacre of 
Armenian religious, political, and intellectual leaders began. 
Continuing until 1923, the cruelty and ruthlessness which marked this 
campaign of terror still shock the conscience more than 80 years later. 
Between 1915 and 1923, 1.5 million Armenians lost their lives, and more 
than 500 thousand were expelled from their homes. Innocent Armenians 
were rounded up and sent away to unknown destinations to be murdered. 
Uncovered by a researcher only a few years ago, a report from a United 
States consul stationed in eastern Turkey from 1914 to 1917 provides 
disturbing details of this coordinated effort to commit genocide 
against the Armenian people. This record of cold-blooded murder is 
harrowing.
  Despite the calculated attempt to purge the Armenian people from 
their land and erase Armenian culture and traditions, today the 
Republic of Armenia is working to establish a vital and progressive 
nation built upon democratic institutions. The Armenian Government has 
drafted a constitution, launched a program of industrial reform, 
privatized agricultural land, and made substantial progress in small-
enterprise privatization. Armenia also has taken steps toward resolving 
the Karabakh conflict and moved to stabilize its economy based upon 
free-market principles.
  I am pleased that our Government has recognized the importance of 
Armenia and has been working closely with international lending 
institutions to help ease Armenia's transition to a market economy. 
Through a comprehensive assistance program, USAID has funded numerous 
initiatives in Armenia, including one aimed at improving the 
distribution of much-needed commodities such as kerosene. Armenia has 
cooperated with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, 
made the difficult fiscal decisions necessary to construct a market-
based economy, and steadily progressed towards a free and open 
democratic system.
  As we mark the anniversary of the Armenian genocide, we join with our 
Armenian friends in remembering those who lost their lives in the early 
years of this century. While we reflect upon the past and dedicate 
ourselves to preserving the history of this humanitarian disaster, we 
also look forward. We look forward to a future in which Armenia will, 
we hope, grow prosperous, achieve economic strength, and, above all 
else, enjoy peace.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in commemoration of the 
Armenian genocide.
  The genocide committed against the Armenian people in the late 19th 
century and the early years of our own ranks among the worst such 
occurrences in human history. That it took place during the supposedly 
civilized ``modern'' era makes the crime all the more abysmal--and the 
need to commemorate it that much more important. The essential features 
of the story can be summarized briefly. As the 19th century drew to a 
close, authorities in the crumbling Ottoman Empire decided to crack 
down against a growing movement for Armenian autonomy. After enduring 
brutal persecution, the Armenians refused to pay the taxes levied by 
their oppressors. As a result, thousands of innocent civilians lost 
their lives and thousands more witnessed the destruction of their 
homes--all because the Ottoman Government wanted to teach them a 
lesson.
  When the Armenians sought to publicize their plight by seizing a 
government building in Constantinople, government forces instigated a 
vicious pogrom during which over 50,000 perished. Several years later 
during the First World War, Armenian service in the Allied cause 
prompted the Turkish authorities to order the deportation of almost the 
entire Armenian population from their homeland to two distant provinces 
of the Turkish Empire, Syria and Palestine. Well over 1 million died 
during this long forced march, many thousands at the hands of 
government soldiers and many more from disease and malnutrition.
  Sadly, we have not managed to escape the consequences of these 
atrocities. The legacy of bitterness is readily observable in central 
Asia, where memories of past injustice have complicated the search for 
peace and stability in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Humanitarian Corridor Act 
is another echo of the tragedy that occurred so many years ago. We 
would have had less reason to prepare such legislation if we did not 
also have to deal with ethnic conflict in the Caucasus.
  One bright element did emerge from what befell the Armenians. As the 
horror continued, thousands of Armenians came to this country; many of 
their heirs now live in my own State of California, where they have 
established an enviable record of prosperity and service to the United 
States and to the broader world

[[Page H3782]]

community. To them, we all owe a considerable debt of gratitude.
  The achievements of Armenian-Americans demonstrate once more that it 
is possible to pay homage to one's ancestors while rising above the 
traumas of the past and embracing the opportunities of the here and 
now. This spirit is one element--no doubt, an essential one--of the 
American genius. Let us pray that it begins to animate all the people 
of the Caucasus region. Without a willingness among all parties to put 
aside ancient feuds while working jointly to resolve the problems of 
the present day, it will be impossible for the region to achieve even 
half of what Armenian-Americans have managed to do in less than a 
century.
  Mr. Speaker, please permit me to close by altering slightly what I 
said at the outset. Even though this is indeed a day of commemoration 
for the thousands who perished in the Armenian genocide, we must not 
forget the great duty of those now living to prepare a better world for 
generations to come.
  Mr. DELLUMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss genocide. According 
to the Genocide Convention, genocide constitutes killings and other 
acts done ``with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, 
ethnical, racial or religious group.'' Genocide has occurred throughout 
history. Genocide is a crime that has been committed far too many times 
than we want to acknowledge. It has been committed by many peoples 
against those perceived as ethnically or religiously different. Many of 
its perpetrators have gone unpunished; many of its victims have gone 
unrecognized.
  We are immediately reminded of the genocide committed by the Nazi 
Germans against the European Jews during World War II. Mournful 
remembrance of its 6 million victims was commemorated by this body this 
past week. Less known is the genocide committed by the Nazi Germans 
against the Slavic peoples during World War II. More recently, we are 
reminded of the genocide committed by the Hutus against the Tutsis in 
Rwanda beginning April 6, 1994. One million were estimated killed; 2 
million were forced to flee to neighboring countries. Neither can we 
forget the genocide committed during the past 5 years by the Orthodox 
Christian Serbs against the Muslim Slavs in the former Yugoslavia. The 
total number dead and homeless have yet to be determined. In addition 
to these, we need to be reminded of another--the genocide of Armenians 
by the Ottoman Turks, which occurred between 1915 and 1923. Although 
this persecution claimed the lives of 1.5 million people and resulted 
in the forced deportation of 500,000 people, too few of us are even 
aware of its occurrence.
  The Genocide Convention entered into force January 12, 1951. It was 
ratified by the United States on February 23, 1989. It confirms that 
``genocide, whether committed in time of peace or in time of war, is a 
crime under international law.'' The convention recognizes that every 
nation in the world has an obligation ``to prevent and punish'' 
genocide. As a world power, the United States must do whatever it can 
to ensure that perpetrators of genocide are brought to justice and to 
ensure that genocide never happens again. As representatives of the 
American people, we must speak out and condemn genocide wherever it has 
occurred. Each of us, individually and collectively, has a moral 
obligation to acknowledge the wrongs of the past and to ensure that 
they are never again allowed to occur.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, April 24 marks the commemoration of the 
massacre of Armenians in Turkey during and after the First World War. 
In what historians refer to as the first of this century's state-
ordered genocides against a minority group, more than 1.5 million 
people were murdered. We mourn the dead and express our condolences to 
the descendants of those who perished. We must also reflect upon the 
meaning and lessons of their suffering and sacrifice.
  As many have observed, the massacres and deportations inflicted upon 
the Armenian community during that period were to mark this century of 
horrors. Civilian populations, defined by ethnic, racial, or religious 
distinctiveness, have become the objects of persecution and genocide 
simply because of who they are--Armenian Christians, European Jews, 
Bosnian Muslims. The range of victims--geographical, ethnic, religious, 
and political--testifies to the universality of human cruelty and 
fanaticism. The response of the survivors, however, testifies to the 
indestructibility and the resilence of the human spirit, even in the 
face of the most virulent evil.
  Like the phoenix of mythology, the Armenian people survived its 
bleakest days and arose with renewed vigor. Armenians' sense of 
national identity has been strengthened and the Armenian language is 
flourishing. Most important, independent Armenian statehood has been 
restored to guarantee the security and future of the nation. However, 
independent Armenia, the realized promise and the living memorial to 
the victims of 1915 and later years, has endured a difficult rebirth. 
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has cost thousands of lives, created 
hundreds of thousands of refugees, and kept the entire region from 
enjoying the blessings of independence. Blockaded by its neighbors, 
Armenia's people have suffered through cold, hunger and deprivation. 
But their spirit remains sturdy, and their sacrifices link them in an 
unbreakable bond with past generations of Armenians.
  It is our fervent hope, Mr. Speaker, that future generations will not 
have to sacrifice as their ancestors have. It is also our hope that all 
parties to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh will build on the now 2-
year-old cease-fire and renew their efforts through the OSCE process to 
reach a negotiated settlement. Nothing could honor the memory of the 
victims of 1915 more than a free, prosperous Armenia living in peace 
with all its neighbors, and moving and impressing the world with both 
the spiritual and material products of the unbreakable Armenian spirit.
  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to express my appreciation to Mr. 
Pallone and Mr. Porter for holding this special order today to 
commemorate the Armenian genocide.
  Approximately 6 million people of Armenian descent live in the United 
States. The elderly among them still have memories of the systematic 
persecution of Armenians during the years of the Ottoman Empire, and 
the accounts of this terrible crime against humanity have been passed 
down through the generations.
  It is impossible to comprehend all of the genocidal horrors that were 
perpetrated against the Armenians during this dark time. In a few short 
years, approximately 1\1/2\ million ethnic Armenians were killed. 
Another one-half million were driven from their homes, robbed of their 
property, and saw every sign and symbol of their religion and culture 
obliterated and replaced with Turkish nationalist symbols.
  Journalist Marjorie Hagopian reported that when the Nazis 
contemplated the destruction of the Jewish people, one of the leaders 
asked whether or not there would be world repercussions for the planned 
atrocities. Hitler is said to have responded, ``Who cared about the 
Armenians?''
  Would that the moral outrage of past atrocities against Armenians, 
Jews, Romany--gypsies, gays, labor leaders, intellectuals, and clergy 
prevent any such occurrence again. Sadly, even today we see in the 
former Yugoslavia gross violations of human rights, ``ethnic 
cleansing,'' massive forced relocation of populations, and other 
horrors for which the Armenian genocide was a horrible precedent.
  April 24 has been set aside to remind us of George Santayana's 
prophetic warning that those who forget history are doomed to repeat 
it. Today we honor the memory of the victims of the Armenian genocide 
and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fight all crimes against 
humanity.
  Mr. MANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915 to 
1923 and pay tribute to the more than 1.5 million Armenians killed by 
the Turkish Ottoman Empire. I commend my colleagues, Congressman Porter 
and Congressman Pallone, for arranging this special order to observe 
this horrific event in world history.
  On April 24, 81 years ago, the Ottoman Turkish Government launched 
their systematic and deliberate campaign of genocide against the 
Armenian people. This violent campaign resulted in the deaths of over 
one-third of the Armenian population living in the Ottoman Empire and 
the exile of approximately 500,000 Armenians from their homeland.
  Unfortunately, the persecution of the Armenians did not end in 1923, 
but continues today. Since 1988, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict 
involving Armenia and Azerbaijan, has left more than 1,500 Armenians 
dead and hundreds of thousands of refugees in the three territories. A 
withering blockade of economic disruption has made everyday life a 
struggle for Armenians. Acquiring necessities for survival has become a 
great obstacle.
  As a member of the congressional Armenian caucus, I have been working 
with my colleagues on the caucus on issues which effect the Armenian 
community. Recently, I joined my colleagues in sending the President a 
letter asking him to join the congressional Armenian caucus to issue a 
strong statement of commemoration and to honor the memory of the 
survivors of the Armenian genocide. In addition, I urge my colleagues 
to join me in cosponsoring House Concurrent Resolution 47, honoring the 
memory of the victims of the Armenian genocide. It calls for the United 
States to encourage the Republic of Turkey to acknowledge and 
commemorate the atrocity committed against the Armenian population of 
the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923.
  New York State is one of the few States which has offered a human 
rights/genocide curricula for teachers to use at their discretion, 
which includes the story of the Armenian genocide. Educational programs 
such as this will allow our children to learn about the tragic past in 
Armenian history, ensuring a peaceful existence for future generations.

[[Page H3783]]

  It is my hope that next year when we remember the 82d anniversary of 
Armenian Martyrs Day we will be able to celebrate a restored peace to 
the Armenian people and confidently proclaim that ``never again'' will 
the world allow such a senseless tragedy to occur.
  Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, there is a well-worn saying that ``Time 
heals all wounds.'' As we reflected this past weekend on the one-year 
anniversary of the tragedy in Oklahoma City, we drew some solace from 
it. Mercifully, the immediate pain and sadness of that most horrendous 
American terrorist act in history have passed. However, while we draw 
comfort from the passing of time, it does not mean that we are expected 
or should forget.
  This is an especially poignant time to recall another horrible act of 
hate and evil, the genocide committed against the Armenian people in 
Turkey 81 years ago. Just as we will never forget the terrorism 
committed in Oklahoma, it is important that we not forget the 1.5 
million Armenian men and women and children who were brutally murdered 
in the inaugural genocide of the 20th century.
  Each year, Americans, and not just Armenian-Americans, come together 
on this occasion. We do so to do more than simply remember that the 
Armenians were the first victims of what sadly has become man's 
bloodiest century. Rather, we each hope that raising the consciousness 
of past atrocities helps prevent similar tragedies in the future.
  With tragedy so near and so fresh in our minds, we are easily 
reminded that hate and evil are unfortunate aspects of the human 
condition. However, it is our responsibility as Americans to remain 
vigilant against hate, violence, and intolerance, whenever and wherever 
it rears its ugly head.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BLUTE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues for this 
commemoration, and I thank Mr. Porter and Mr. Pallone for arranging it.
  Recent history has seen the Armenian people subjected to a number of 
very difficult, troubling and tragic circumstances. From being forced 
to live under the Soviet communist regime, to the terrible 1988 
earthquake--much worse than any this Nation has ever seen, to the 
present blockade and violence imposed by the Azeris.
  The Armenian people have long suffered.
  But nothing is more tragic than the genocide which took place from 
1915 to 1923. One and one-half million died, countless more lost 
mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, uncles and aunts, comrades and 
friends.
  We stand here, more than half a century later, to ensure that others 
will not forget.
  Not forget the massacres. Not forget the persecution. Not forget the 
death marches. Not forget the bloodshed. And not forget that all 
citizens in the world deserve to live in freedom without the threat of 
destruction by people that hate.
  That is why it is important we commemorate this 81st anniversary of 
the Armenian genocide. We can not afford to let the people of this 
world forget that genocide can, and does happen. Already, this decade 
has been marred by events in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia.
  In light of the sorry events in those countries we must do everything 
in our power to make sure the people of the world remember the genocide 
in Armenia 81 years ago. For, if we forget the past we will be 
condemned to repeat it.
  As part of this effort the distinguished minority whip, Congressman 
Bonior and I introduced House Concurrent Resolution 47. This resolution 
would put the House on record honoring the memory of the 1.5 million 
genocide victims. The House must pass this resolution and send a 
message to the world that we can never forget.
  Furthermore, we are hosting a congressional reception next week and 
encourage all Members to take a moment out of their schedules to honor 
the survivors and the memories of the victims of this dark event in 
world history.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be able to join today in the 
special order organized by my colleagues, Congressman John Porter and 
Congressman Frank Pallone, to honor the 81st anniversary of the 
Armenian genocide. It has in fact been my privilege to participate in 
such observances throughout the time that I have served in the U.S. 
Congress.
  Eighty-one years is certainly a long time, but the memory of the 
atrocities committed by the former Ottoman Empire at that time against 
those of Armenian descent still burns in the consciousness of Armenian-
Americans. This is indeed an important occasion, not just for Armenian-
Americans, but for all those concerned by human rights abuses and by 
campaigns of genocide.
  Our observance of this anniversary can serve as a reminder that such 
atrocities will not be forgotten. That, in itself, is very important. 
It is also equally important, however, to take this opportunity to 
think of those innocent men, women, and children who fell victim to 
this genocidal campaign in 1915 and the years immediately following. 
Their lives were abruptly ended--in a brutal and revolting manner--but 
they can come to life in our memories each year at this time. Those of 
their descendants who migrated to the United States after this terrible 
event still carry the memory of these unfortunate victims on this day 
and every day, and I believe that their ancestors would be proud to 
know how those who lived through this terrible event worked hard to 
make a new, prosperous life as citizens of their adopted land, the 
United States of America--and how they worked hard to keep their memory 
alive.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, I thank my colleagues for arranging this 
special order on this important anniversary.
  Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues tonight in 
commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Armenian genocide. It is a 
testament to the Members of the Chamber that year after year we stand 
in the well of the House and pay tribute to the memory of the 1.5 
million Armenian who were systematically slaughtered by the Ottoman 
Turks from 1915 to 1923.
  Mr. Speaker, April 24, 1915, represents a tragic day in the history 
of the Armenian people. It is a day that has left an indelible mark on 
the consciousness of mankind. Eighty-one years ago, the Ottoman Turks 
unleashed the forces of hatred upon Armenian men, women, and children 
in a deliberate policy of extermination. On this fateful night, the 
Ottoman turks ruthlessly rounded up and targeted for elimination 
Armenian religious, political, and intellectual leaders.
  For 8 bloody years a reign of terror-ruled the daily lives of 
Armenians in the Ottoman empire. For 8, long, horrific years, Armenians 
were consumed by the fires of racial and religious intolerance. 
Tragically, by the end of 1923, the entire Armenian population of 
Anatolia and western Armenian had been either killed or deported.
  On the eve of launching the jewish Holocaust, Adolph Hitler commented 
to his generals, ``Who, after all, speaks of the annihilation of the 
Armenians?'' Mr. Speaker, the Members of the U.S. Congress speak of the 
annihilation of the Armenians. We speak out tonight so that future 
generations of Americans will know the facts surrounding the first 
genocide of the 20th century. We observe this solemn anniversary, along 
with the Armenian-American community and the people of Armenia, so that 
no one will be able to deny the undeniable.
  Many of the survivors of the Armenian genocide established new lives 
in America, contributing their considerable talents and energy to the 
economic prosperity and cultural diversity of our great Nation. 
Therefore, Mr. Speaker, it is with a sense of gratitude toward 
Americans of Armenian descent and a deep sense of moral obligation that 
I join my colleagues in honoring the memory of these fallen victims of 
genocide. They are not forgotten.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 
Armenian genocide, as we do every year on April 24. This is a time of 
solemn remembrance, as Armenians everywhere set apart this day to mark 
the genocide perpetrated against them by the Ottoman empire in 1915 and 
afterwards. For friends of Armenians, this is an occasion to express 
condolences and to show solidarity with the worldwide Armenian 
community.
  We not only mourn with them the loss of some 1.5 million Armenians 
but we voice our determination to prevent any such horrors from 
recurring. Unfortunately, the Armenian genocide was only the first in 
this bloody century of horrors. Since then, powerful states have 
singled out and massacred other ethnic, racial or religious minorities, 
and to judge by the atrocities committed in this decade in Yugoslavia, 
human cruelty knows no bounds of geography, race or religion.
  Neverthleless, Armenians--the first victims of genocide this 
century--have served as models of strength, steadfastness and 
resistance. The most important target of resistance is amnesia. 
Armenians have taught us the lesson that some events are too important 
not to recall--no matter how painful--for the particular nation in 
question, and for all of us, but equally important is the lesson that a 
nation's hopes do not flicker out with the loss of so many of its 
children. Instead of being defeated, the wound can steel the soul and 
fertilize dreams of freedom and security.
  Today, an independent Armenian state guarantees the security and 
future of the nation. Despite all the difficulties and travails of the 
last few years, Armenia has defended its people and will continue to do 
so. For our part, we today signal our commitment to foster all efforts 
to resolve the causes of tension between Armenia and its neighbors. The 
road to peace and normal relations among the states of Transcaucasia is 
arduous, but it must be pursued by all the peoples of the region with 
the decisiveness and strength that Armenians have demonstrated in 
keeping alive their traditions and striving for freedom.

[[Page H3784]]

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, it brings me no pleasure to stand before 
you in rememberance of the tragedy that mars this day in history. But 
the silent denial of wrongdoing that continues to accompany this date 
81 years after the fact underscores the importance of this special 
order. April 24 stands as a black mark on the historical calendar; for 
the victims of the Armenian genocide perpetrated by an unapologetic 
government, I must call attention to these horrible deeds.
  It was on April 24, 1915, that the Ottoman empire commenced a 
genocidal cleansing unlike any that had come before. In seizing 200 
Armenian religious, political, and intellectual leaders on this date, 
the Ottomans announced that Armenians would no longer be considered 
worthy of the basic human rights which must be afforded to all 
humanity. For the next 8 years they would brutally demonstrate the 
extant of these beliefs as they slaughtered 1.5 million Armenian men, 
women, and children, and forced another half million from their homes.
  On this solemn day, we must pay homage to the uncompensated families 
for whom this day brings nothing but sorrow. The genocide of the 
Armenian people has never been recognized by the Turkish Government; no 
apology or reparations have been made. Instead, 81 years later, the 
wholesale slaughter of human beings goes unrecognized and unpunished. 
This day stands in infamy as a precursor to the atrocities of Hitler, 
the unspeakable acts in Rwanda, and the recent attempts acts of ethnic 
cleansing in Bosnia-Herzebovina. In allowing these deeds to go 
unpunished we have said to the world that these heinous crimes are 
acceptable, that the rights of mankind are not universal. But human 
rights are not malleable ideas, subject to the whims of a nation and 
the inhumanity of its leaders, and the bonds which one person imposes 
on another can not be tolerated by a nation based on the concept of 
liberty and the rule of law. It is for these reasons that we must 
continue to honor this date, and in honoring it remember the evil of 
which we are capable.
  In honor of the 1.5 million Armenians who lost their lives for no 
reason other than their heritage, we must ensure that the rights of 
humanity are protected regardless of the false boundaries of 
nationalism. We are all children of the same Creator; if we are not our 
brother's keeper, there will be no brother left in our hour of need. As 
we have said of the Holocaust, we say of this too, never again.

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