[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              90TH COMMEMORATION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

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                               speech of

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 2005

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in remembrance of the Armenian 
Genocide--one of the most horrific tragedies of the 20th century. 
Beginning on April 24, 1915, leaders of the Ottoman Empire began 
murdering thousands of Armenian people. By 1923, the number of 
Armenians murdered was over 1.5 million. Yet, in spite of irrefutable 
evidence, the United States of America and the Republic of Turkey have 
consistently refused to officially acknowledge that the Armenians were 
victims of genocide.
  The Armenian Genocide is a historical event that cannot be denied or 
forgotten. It is vital for Turkey to recognize that this tragedy took 
place on its soil. Turkey should follow the example of Germany in its 
swift commendation and acknowledgement of the Holocaust. It is also 
equally vital for the United States to officially recognize the 
Armenian Genocide, just as many other governments have.
  In 2000 the European Parliament officially recognized the Armenian 
Genocide. The following year the French Parliament recognized it as 
well. Many attempts have also been made by the U.S. Congress to 
officially recognize the Armenian Genocide. These attempts, however, 
have been scuttled by successive administrations for fear of disrupting 
our strategic relationship with Turkey. While I certainly value 
Turkey's friendship, as a world leader, the U.S. must officially 
acknowledge the Armenian Genocide. Not doing so sets an extremely poor 
example for the rest of the world and denies the victims of this 
horrific tragedy the proper reverence they deserve.

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