[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 57 (Monday, May 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E770]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      COMMEMORATING THE 96TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 2, 2011

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, 96 years ago this month, the Ottoman 
Empire began a brutal campaign against its Armenian citizens, marking 
the beginning of the Armenian Genocide. At the end of this atrocity in 
1923, more than 1.5 million Armenians had perished.
  Once again, despite the absence of an official recognition on behalf 
of the American government, I stand to commemorate the Armenian 
Genocide. This injustice deserves recognition by the U.S. For years, a 
resolution affirming the U.S. position on Armenian Genocide has been 
introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and, as a member of the 
House Armenian Issues Caucus, I have cosponsored that resolution.
  Over two dozen countries and 43 states, including my home state of 
Illinois, have affirmed the Armenian Genocide, demonstrating unwavering 
support for this position. As I have said before, there will never be a 
convenient time to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide, but we 
must do what is right and officially declare these atrocities as 
genocide.
  The official commemoration of the Armenian Genocide also provides an 
opportunity to recognize the indomitable spirit of the Armenian people. 
Their daily contributions to our communities are the best testament of 
their kindness, strength and commitment to justice and peace. As a 
member of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, I call on my 
colleagues in Congress and the Obama administration to join me in 
recognizing the 96th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and the 
significant contributions of the Armenian people.

                          ____________________