[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 54 (Thursday, April 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    COMMEMORATING ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2001

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, as I have every year at this 
time, in a proud but solemn tradition to remember and pay tribute to 
the victims of one of history's worst crimes against humanity, the 
Armenian genocide of 1915 to 1923.
  In 1915, 1.5 million women, children, and men were killed, and 
500,000 Armenians were forcibly deported by the Ottoman Empire during 
an eight year reign of brutal repression. Armenians were deprived of 
their homes, their dignity, and ultimately their lives.
  Yet, America, the greatest democracy in the world, has not made an 
official statement regarding the Armenian genocide and it is my hope 
that the Congress will have the courage to bring the resolution to the 
floor of the House for a vote.
  It's fundamental that we learn from our past and never let this kind 
of tragedy happen again. Opponents have argued that passage of a 
resolution would severely jeopardize U.S.-Turkey relations.
  A resolution is not an indictment of the current Turkish government 
nor is it a condemnation of any former leader of Turkey. The United 
States and Turkey can and will be able to continue its partnership 
should the Congress adopt this important resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, as the only Member of Congress of Armenian and Assyrian 
descent, I am very proud of my heritage. Like many Armenians, I learned 
from my grandparents of the hardship and suffering endured by so many 
at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. That is how I came to this 
understanding and this knowledge and why I bring this story to the 
House of Representatives.
  I am very proud of the contributions which the Armenian people have 
made to our great Nation. They've distinguished themselves in the arts, 
in law, in academics, in every walk of life and they continue today to 
make significant contributions in communities across our country today.
  It's essential to not only publicly acknowledge what happened, but 
also understand that we are teaching present and future generations 
about the Armenian Genocide.
  We need to bring this legislation to enlighten our young people and 
to remind ourselves that wherever anything like this occurs around the 
globe that we, as Members of the United States Congress, and as 
citizens of this great Nation, must raise our voices.

                          ____________________