[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6290]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                    COMMEMORATING ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. XAVIER BECERRA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2001

  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 86th anniversary 
of the Armenian Genocide, in hopes that we will work to ensure that our 
country's foreign policy reflects a respect for human rights, and 
renounces ethnic cleansing and genocide. This Special Order brings 
forth an opportunity to pay tribute to the memory of the 1.5 million 
Armenians that lost their lives as a result of this tragic event.
  As we arrive at this anniversary once again, the United States should 
now more than ever promote healing with Turkey and the Armenian 
community in this nation and abroad. By acknowledging the great tragedy 
of the Armenian Genocide, we would be doing something today that is 
right for the wrong endured by Armenians 86 years ago. Although we are 
conscience of the current crisis in the Middle East and value our 
relationship with Turkey, it does not diminish the need to recognize 
what Armenians experienced during the early 20th Century. There are 
many people across the world who will agree that this is a highly 
sensitive and serious issue to discuss. But in order for us to correct 
the errors of the past we must never forget they took place by 
officially recognizing the Armenian Genocide and standing up against 
such atrocities.
  On this April 24th, 2001, we remember and mourn the loss of all the 
Armenians killed from 1915 to 1923. But we also look forward to the day 
when we will see peace and stability realized by not tolerating acts of 
severe cruelty and injustice. Unfortunately, genocide is not yet a 
vestige of the past. In more recent years we have witnessed ethnic 
killings in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and Kosovo. We must continue on 
with a commitment to prevent such assaults on humanity from occurring 
again. There are many Armenians living in California today who form a 
strong and vibrant part of the State's community. The strength they 
have displayed in overcoming the suffering is an example to us all.
  Surrounded by countries still hostile to them, to this day the 
Armenian struggle continues. Our nation must work to prevent further 
aggression and assure Armenians throughout the world that they can live 
free of threats to their existence and property. Now with an 
independent Armenian state, the United States has an opportunity to 
contribute to a true memorial of the past by strengthening Armenia's 
emerging democracy.
  Mr. Speaker, as we remember and honor the dead, we also honor the 
living. Out of the ashes of their history, Armenians all over the world 
have clung to their identity and have prospered in new communities. For 
my part, I will vigorously fight to help improve the lives of Armenians 
in the United States and abroad.

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