[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 54 (Wednesday, April 24, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H3793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      COMMEMORATING THE 81ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from California [Ms. Eshoo] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank Representative Pallone, 
Representative Porter, and all my colleagues participating in raising 
awareness on this, the 81st anniversary of the Armenian genocide and 
the 1.5 million Armenians who were systematically exterminated by 
Ottoman troops.
  The slaughter began on April 24, 1915, when hundreds of Armenian 
leaders were arrested and executed in Istanbul and other areas.
  By the time they were finished, Ottoman troops had executed 1.5 
million Armenians including innocent women and children.
  Tragically, the voices of these innocent victims fell upon deaf ears 
because the international community refused to confront the 
perpetrators of these atrocities.
  As the only Member of Congress of Armenian descent, I know full well 
how the Ottoman Empire decimated a people--my people--and wrote one of 
the darkest chapters in human history. I'm committed to ensure that the 
suffering is not diminished, and not be denied by the perpetrators of 
this disgraceful policy.
  By recalling the atrocities of the Armenian Genocide we remind the 
world that a great tragedy was inflicted upon the Armenian people, that 
the murder of Armenians was a catastrophe for the entire family of 
nations, and that unchecked aggression leads to atrocity.
  By mourning the losses of our past, we renew our determination to 
forge a future in which the Armenian people can live in peace, 
prosperity, and freedom.
  Despite the history of suffering at the hands of others, Armenians 
have remained a strong people, committed to family and united by an 
enduring faith.
  The Armenian people have risen from the ashes of the Armenian 
Genocide to form a new country from the remains of the Soviet Union * * 
* a new country which flourishes in the face of severe winters, ongoing 
military conflict in Nagorno-Karabagh, and the absence of strong 
international assistance.
  Today's Armenia is a living tribute to the indelible courage and 
perseverance of the Armenian people and the assurance that what took 
place 81 years ago will not be repeated.
  As we remember the tragic history of the Armenian people, it's 
essential also for us to discuss the future of Armenia and the role 
which the United States can play in establishing peace in the Caucuses.
  In my view, true peace in the Caucuses will only be achieved when the 
political and economic isolation of Armenia ceases and regional leaders 
recognize the inherent rights of Armenia--including its land and its 
history. Congress can continue to play an important part in this 
process.
  The Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act, which became law for fiscal year 
1996 as part of the Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, is 
essential because it exerts the appropriate pressure on countries which 
block U.S. foreign assistance to the region. This measure must be made 
permanent law as soon as possible, and I look forward to working with 
my colleagues to do so.
  In my view, it's not enough for third party nations to allow 
commercial flights into aid-recipient countries--land convoys must be 
allowed through in order to move necessary amounts of American food, 
medicine, and clothing.
  In addition, we must maintain the Freedom of Support Act of 1992. We 
should reinstate Section 907, which would prevent United States foreign 
assistance going to Azerbaijan until they lift their blockade of 
Nagorno--Karabagh, The Freedom of Support Act must be upheld until the 
isolation of Armenia ends and its territorial rights are adhered to.
  Mr. Speaker, if the tragedy of the Armenian genocide has taught us 
anything, it is sitting back is tantamount to helping Armenia's 
oppressors.
  As Members of Congress, we have the responsibility of ensuring that 
an enhanced U.S. role in the affairs of the Caucuses follows a course 
sensitive to the region's history and culture. This includes a 
heightened sensitivity to Armenia, who's history and culture are often 
denied or misunderstood.
  We must do all we can to prevent this tragic history from repeating 
itself and help advance a proactive foreign policy to bring lasting 
peace to the region.
  I thank my colleagues who have joined us here today to commemorate 
the Armenian Genocide.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude by saying my remarks also are 
in memory of someone that was a great leader in the Armenian community, 
a relative of mine, Aram Bayramian, who was, I think, the essence of 
what his forefathers were and continue to be, a great American, a great 
patriot, a man of great faith in family, someone that served this 
Nation and was devoted not only to the Armenian community but the 
entire community.

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