American Armenians call Obama to recognize genocide

YEREVAN, January 24. /ARKA/. Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Executive Director Aram Hambaryan called President Obama to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

Hambaryan’s announcement related to the adoption of the draft law on criminalization of denial of genocide by France Senate, was disseminated.

“Today's courageous vote by the French Senate shines the spotlight across the Atlantic, on American policymakers, who, for far too long, have let Ankara block U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide”, states the message.

Hambaryan noted the growing international pressure on Turkey and reminded about recognition of Armenian genocide by 42 U.S. states.

He said that President Obama, who promised as a candidate to recognize the Armenian Genocide, has allowed a foreign country to impose a gag-rule on U.S. recognition of this crime against humanity.

"In this regard (decision of France Senate), we urge President Obama to fulfill his promise and recognize the Armenian Genocide, and the U.S. House leadership to allow a vote on the Armenian Genocide”, states the message. On Monday, Senate of France adopted the draft law on criminal punishment of genocides, including Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Empire.

The document envisaging punishment in prison and a fine of 45 thousand euros for the denial of genocide was adopted by the lower house of French Parliament – National Assembly on December 22.

The adopted draft law should be signed by the President of France.

Armenian Genocide of 1915 was the first genocide of 20th century. Turkey traditionally refuses the genocide of Armenians during the First World War and painfully reacts on the critic from the West. Armenian Genocide was recognized by Uruguay, Russia, France, Lithuania, Parliament of Italy and majority of United States. 

On March 4 the Committee on international issues of US Congress adopted resolution №252 about recognition of Armenian genocide which calls the President of United States to make efforts for the adoption of worthy decision about the issues related to human rights and Armenian genocide. On March 11 the fact of Armenian Genocide was recognized also by the Parliament of Sweden. -0-