[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 54 (Thursday, May 4, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E638-E639]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 12, 2000

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, each year on the 24th of April we commemorate 
the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. As we begin a new century, it 
is critical that we redouble our efforts to battle the forces of hatred 
and intolerance that perpetuate the persecution of people because of 
their ethnic, racial or religious identity. The massacre of Armenians 
in Turkey during and after the World War One is recorded as the first 
state-ordered genocide against a minority group in the 20th Century. 
Tragically, Mr. Speaker, it was not the last. In the 85 years since 
this unspeakable tragedy, the world has witnessed decades of genocide 
and ethnic cleansing, wholesale persecution of people simply because of 
who they are--European Jews, Bosnian Muslims, the Tutsis of Rwanda, 
Kosovar Albanians.
  Mr. Speaker, as we reflect on the magnitude of the Armenian genocide 
and those that followed in the past century, the words of Helen Keller 
ring true. ``No loss by flood and lightening, no destruction of cities 
and temples by the hostile forces of nature has deprived man

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of so many noble lives and impulses as those which his intolerance has 
destroyed,'' she said.
  Mr. Speaker, we honor the memory of the Armenian people who perished 
and express our condolences to their descendants. We stand with them 
and together reflect upon the meaning and lessons of their suffering 
and sacrifice. We must reflect, we must learn, but we must also be 
prepared to act. Let us vow in this century and for all future 
generations to make the words ``never again'' ring true.
  Mr. Speaker, while we remember their tragic history we also marvel at 
the strength and determination of the Armenian people. Independent 
Armenian statehood has been restored to guarantee the security and 
future of the nation and serves as an inspiration to Armenian people 
everywhere. Since gaining its independence Armenia has made great 
strides in fortifying democratic institutions and promoting a market 
economy, but the road has not been easily traveled and the way ahead 
will not be without challenge. Mr. Speaker, we also honor the memory of 
Armenia's leaders who were killed by a shameless band of assassins last 
year. We express our condolences to their families and to the people of 
Armenia.
  Mr. Speaker, I am confident that the Armenian people will continue to 
strengthen their democracy and prosper. It is my fervent hope that the 
parties to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh will renew and redouble 
their efforts to reach a negotiated settlement and to help bring peace 
and prosperity to the entire region--now and for generations to come.

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