'07 US Armenian Genocide Bill news

[Helen]

I guess its an honor for me to be the "Real" Gavur.
He-heh!

This is one of the best comments

[Gavur]

Congressman Joseph Pitts Cosponsors Armenian Genocide Resolution

2007-06-11 15:47:00

http://www.defacto.am/index.php?OP=71325553

Congressman Joseph Pitts (R-PA-16) recently announced he would cosponsor H. Res. 106, the Armenian Genocide Resolution, Armenian National Committee of America of PA reports. Serving his sixth term, Congressman Pitts, a member of the Armenian Caucus, has a long history of advocating for human rights issues.
The Congressman's support was acquired through the efforts of the Armenian-American constituents in his district led by ANC of PA activists, George Semerjian and Seeran and Greg Mizii. Congressman Pitts and his staff met with Mr. Semerjian, Mr. & Mrs. Mizii and ANCA Eastern Region Executive Director Karine Birazian in the Congressman's district office in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, during which the Congressman was informed of the extensive historical documentation of the Armenian Genocide and the current genocides in the world.
To note, H. Res. 106 calls upon the President to ensure that the foreign policy of the United States reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide documented in the United States record relating to the Armenian Genocide and for other purposes. The Resolution introduced in the House of Representatives on January 30, 2007 by Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA) and George Radanovich (R-CA) and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) has 199 cosponsors, with growing support each day.
To date, eight of the 19 Pennsylvania representatives have signed on to the legislation, and the ANC of PA is continuing its efforts throughout the state. "We thank Congressman Pitts for his support and hope that his commitment will inspire his colleagues in Washington on both sides of the aisle to pass this important legislation. It is critical that our government recognize, condemn and prevent the crime of genocide to demonstrate our compassion as a nation and our value for life and human rights," commented ANC of PA Chairman Dr. Ara Chalian, following
co sponsorship by Cong. Pitts.

[Joseph]

Source: ANCA.org

Recognizing the Armenian Genocide1) Respecting American values
As a matter of fundamental morality, the U.S. government should recognize and condemn all genocides - past and present.
2) Recognizing the truth
The United States should not allow the Turkish government to use threats and blackmail to block the commemoration of a crime against humanity.
3) Honoring U.S. history
We should honor, as a proud chapter in American history, the U.S. diplomatic protests and relief efforts for the survivors of the Genocide.
4) Promoting regional stability
By coming to terms with the Armenian Genocide, Turkey can lower regional tensions and open the door to improved relations with Armenia.
5) Preventing future genocides
Turkey's denial of the Armenian Genocide sets a dangerous precedent that makes future genocides more likely. Many of the tactics - and denials - used by Turkey against defenseless Armenians are being used again today in Darfur.
6) Protecting Armenia
The Republic of Armenia cannot be safe as long as Turkey remains an unrepentant perpetrator of genocide against the Armenian people.
7) Encouraging democracy
Turkey's recognition of the Armenian Genocide would represent a step toward its acceptance into the European family of nations.

Turkey's Genocide Denial: Common Myths

Myth #1: Turkey is moderating its aggressive Armenian Genocide denial
Reality: The prosecution, official intimidation, and brutal assassination of
journalist Hrant Dink all show that Turkish leaders are actually
escalating their campaign of Armenian Genocide denial.
Myth #2: Turkey has invited Armenia to conduct a joint study
Reality: The Armenian Genocide is a thoroughly documented fact.
Turkey's insincere offer to Armenia to commission a joint study to
determine if it actually occurred is a transparent and morally
bankrupt attempt to stop the rising tide of Genocide recognition.
Myth #3: Turkey is a reliable U.S. ally.
Reality: In 2003 Turkey blocked a northern front against Iraq, which,
according to the Department of Defense, contributed to the strength of the insurgency. Since then, Turkey has largely abandoned its role as a reliable regional partner, as shown by the destabilizing role it is playing in northern Iraq.
Myth #4: Recognizing the Genocide will lead to a Turkish backlash
Reality: Despite its threats of harsh retribution, Turkey has only taken
minor steps against Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Argentina, and other states that have recognized the Genocide.
Myth #5: Recognizing the Armenian Genocide is against U.S. interests
Reality: Recognition of the Genocide will advance U.S. interests by
removing a source of regional instability, and promote American values by reaffirming our nation's opposition to all genocides.

Turkey’s threats against America

The introduction of the Armenian Genocide Resolution has sparked a new round of Turkish threats to interfere with Coalition operations in Iraq if the U.S. Congress moves toward adoption of this human rights legislation.
By issuing these brazen and deeply offensive warnings:
1) Turkey threatens the security of U.S. forces in Iraq
2) Turkey threatens America’s moral stand against all genocides
3) Turkey threatens the integrity of the U.S. legislative process
The truth behind Turkey’s threats
Turkey has taken only token steps against Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Argentina, Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, and other states that have recognized the Armenian Genocide.
The French Despite all its threats in 2001 against France recognizing the
example: Armenian Genocide, trade between France and Turkey grew
22% the following year, and has grown by 131% over the
past five years. (Source: OECD)
The U.S. Despite years of U.S. deference to Turkey’s genocide
example: denials, in 2003 Ankara still blocked a northern front into
Iraq, a move the Pentagon has said added significantly to the
problems currently facing our forces.
The truth is that U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide will advance both U.S. interests and American values by removing a source of regional instability and reaffirming our nation’s principled opposition to all instances of genocide.

[Evropeos]

Armenian National Committee of America





Western Region

104 N. Belmont, Suite 208, Glendale, CA 91206 * Tel. (818) 500-1918
Fax. (818) 246-7353 * [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release ~ 2007-06-15
Contact: Haig Hovsepian ~ Tel: (818) 500-1918

Hawaii ANC Activists Praise Congresswoman Hirono

Honolulu, HI - Armenian Americans from the Aloha State welcomed this week Congresswoman Mazie Hirono's cosponsorship of human rights legislation concerning the Armenian Genocide (H.Res.106). Congresswoman Hirono, who represents Hawaii's second Congressional District, is the first immigrant woman of Asian ancestry to be elected to and to serve in the United States House of Representatives.

"Our community here in Hawaii and especially in the Congresswoman's District appreciates her support for the Armenian Genocide resolution," commented George Casen. He noted that the Armenian Community in Hawaii is composed of Armenians who have been in the United States for a long time, primarily second and third generation Armenian-Americans, highly assimilated within the local community. “We appreciate her leadership on this issue which is of utmost concern to us. Whether it is Armenian-Americans living on the Big Island, Maui, Kauai or in other parts of her Congressional District, we thank the Congresswoman for her support of Congressman Schiff's Genocide Resolution," Casen added.

Casen along with Michael Petrosian and ANC activists working with the ANCA-WR and national offices contacted her local and Washington, D.C. staff regarding the resolution. This past April, Casen met with Hirono to discuss the resolution and the Armenian Genocide.

Congresswoman Hirono won her seat in November of 2006 to fill the vacancy left by former Congressman Ed Case. She won the seat with 61% of the vote against Republican Bob Hogue.

Prior to being elected to Congress, Hirono served two 4-years terms as the State of Hawaii's ninth elected Lieutenant Governor. She was also the Hawaii Democratic Party's candidate for Governor in 2002, one of a handful of women in the United States to become their party's nominee for Governor. She was born in Fukushima, Japan on Nov. 3, 1947 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1959, the year Hawaii became a state. Educated in public schools in Hawaii, Congresswoman Hirono graduated with honors from Kaimuki High School and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She earned her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Hirono is married to attorney Leighton K. Oshima.

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

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Photo Caption: Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (D-HI-02)

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[Joseph]

www.defacto.am News/News 2007-06-21

OVER 200 US CONGRESSMEN COSPONSOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION


The Armenian Genocide Resolution, H.Res.106, continues to gain momentum toward passage with the total number of Members cosponsoring the human rights measure clearing the 200 mark, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). Representatives from Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi and New York were the latest additions, bringing the overall cosponsor total to 202.
"We are encouraged by the growing bipartisan support for the Armenian Genocide Resolution – as so dramatically illustrated today by the growth of the number of cosponsors for this genocide prevention measure to more than two hundred," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "We value the leadership of the resolution's authors, appreciate the support of each of its cosponsors and look forward to working with all of these friends to see the Armenian Genocide Resolution adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives at the first opportunity."
"Two hundred cosponsors is an important milestone," stated resolution lead sponsor Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA). "This overwhelming support for the resolution is evidence that Members of Congress and their constituents believe that recognizing the Armenian Genocide, which claimed more than a million and a half lives, is a moral imperative."
Introduced on January 30th by Rep. Adam Schiff and spearheaded by Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA), Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), the Armenian Genocide resolution calls upon the President to ensure that the foreign policy of the United States reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing and genocide documented in the United States record relating to the Armenian Genocide. A similar resolution in the Senate (S.Res.106), introduced by Assistant Majority Leader xxxx Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) currently has 31 cosponsors, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton (D-NY).
Lead advocates for H.Res.106 hailed the continuing growth of support for the resolution and urged swift House consideration of the legislation.
"To have 200 Members of the House of Representatives declaring their strong support for properly recognizing the Armenian Genocide is a tremendous accomplishment," said Rep. Anna Eshoo, who is of Armenian and Assyrian American descent. "I will continue to do everything I can to see that this long-overdue legislation comes to the floor of the House for a vote and that we will prevail."
Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone concurred, noting that "the addition of 200 co-sponsors to the Armenian Genocide Recognition Resolution shows the overwhelming support in the House of Representatives for properly acknowledging the systematic massacre of 1.5 million Armenians beginning in 1915 as genocide. Members of Congress understand that our nation cannot effectively work to end crimes against humanity without recognizing those that have previously occurred."
Similarly, Caucus Co-Chair Joe Knollenberg noted that, "the fact that 200 members have co-sponsored this resolution is a strong indication that it's time to schedule a vote on the House floor. There is significant bipartisan support for giving the Armenian Genocide its proper historical distinction. I commend my colleagues, who have co-sponsored this resolution for giving their support to this important issue."

[Evropeos]

Armenian Genocide Resolution co-sponsorship reaches 209 out of 218 necessary


26.06.2007 13:44 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ 209 U.S. House members co-sponsor the H. Res. 106 – the Armenian Genocide Resolution. Representatives from Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi and New York were among the latest additions, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) reported.

“We are encouraged by the growing bipartisan support for the H. Res. 106. We appreciate the support of each of its cosponsors, and look forward to working with all of these friends to see the Armenian Genocide Resolution adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives at the first opportunity,” ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian said.

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[Joseph]

http://groong.usc.edu/news/msg193756.html

Commentary

Turks Shocked as Close to Majority
In Congress Cosponsors Genocide Bill

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

The news last week, that the number of cosponsors of the congressional
Armenian Genocide resolution reached 200, sent shudders throughout the Turkish
world. The Turkish government and its compliant mass media would probably get
even more hysterical in the coming days as the number of House members supporting
the resolution will reach for the first time the magical number of 218 -- the
majority of the House of Representatives.
In an article titled, "Risk rising for genocide bill's passage in U.S.
Congress," published in the June 22 issue of the Turkish Daily News, journalist
Umit Enginsoy wrote: "The chances" of the approval of the Armenian Genocide
resolution "are rising dangerously after pro-Armenian groups secured the backing
of 200 lawmakers in the 435-member chamber of Congress. This is a record figure
ever obtained by the Armenians and is rapidly approaching 218=80¦. Turkish
efforts to prevent the bill's passage first in the [Foreign Affairs] committee and
then on the House floor have so far been successful but the number of the
measure's backers is increasing in a threatening way and it may only be a matter
of weeks before the Armenians manage to obtain the majority figure of 218,
analysts said."

Enginsoy then proceeded to present an accurate estimation of the prospects
for the approval of the resolution as follows: "The figure of 218 lawmakers
supporting the genocide measure's passage will mean a psychological threshold.
If or when the Armenians reach that number, [Speaker] Pelosi herself will
likely be compelled to obey the will of the majority and bring the resolution to a
floor vote, analysts said=80¦. At this pace, the resolution may reach the House
floor agenda any time after early September, when Congress returns to work
after summer recess=80¦. Turkish officials and their lobbyists are nowworking to
prevent other lawmakers from backing the genocide bill and urging some House
members to withdraw their signatures from the list of supporters. But so far such
efforts could not stop the Armenians reaching the 200 figure."

Enginsoy's article would have been even more alarming had he known that on
the day his report was published, nine additional Congressmen would cosponsor
the resolution, bringing the total number of its supporters to 209 -- just
nine short of the required 218. Of course, "the analysts" that Enginsoy consulted
had grossly misjudged the rapid increase of the bill's backers, when he
reported that it would take several weeks for the number of cosponsors to reach
218. It now appears that the magic threshold would be reached within a matter of
days, not weeks!
In sharp contrast to Erginsoy's straightforward reporting, prominent
Turkish commentator Mehmet Ali Birand tried to deceive his readers rather than
urging them face up to the truth of the Armenian Genocide.
In an article titled, "Armenians work, we sleep," published in the June 21
issue of the Turkish Daily News, Birand blamed Turkish officials for doing
nothing to block the congressional resolution. He wrote: "I have repeated this
theme for years. I have even used harsher words to make it more effective. But
not a word. Nobody cares. We are in such ignorance that we knowingly lie to
ourselves. I refer to the sleepwalking state of Turkey in the face of the
activities of the Armenian lobby=80¦. Turkey is in a haze. There is neither any activity
nor a change of policy except for persuasion talks with the House members. As
Turkey continues to sleepwalk, Armenians make it more decisive. Turkey's
reputation is being besmirched. We can continue settling for trying to convince.
Once it is too late, we should not knock on the White House door in vain. We
should not try to shut down the Incirlik Air Base and cut off relations. We
should quit threatening Washington, as it will do no good. We should get ready for
what is to come in September."

In an attempt to look at the future, Birand observed: "What will happen if
[the resolution] does become a law? The decision by the U.S. House of
Representatives will serve as a precedent. It will encourage the parliaments of other
countries. The number of parliaments accepting genocide claims will increase.
Then it will be time to pressure the governments. And we can keep on sleeping."
Birand is flat wrong in accusing Turkish leaders of sleepwalking. On the
contrary, Ankara officials have done everything in their power to block the
Armenian Genocide bill -- paying millions of dollars to hire powerful American
lobbying firms; dispatching delegations of parliamentarians and high-ranking
political and military leaders to Washington; and threatening to undermine the
American war effort in Iraq by blocking access to military bases in Turkey and
canceling multi-billion dollar arms purchases from the United States.
A more honest analyst would have urged Turkish leaders to refrain from
lying and acknowledge the fact of the Armenian Genocide. By taking such a step,
Turkey would save itself much embarrassment, avoid wasting millions of dollars
on lobbying and acquire political mileage and respectability in the
international community.

[Gavur]

Recognizing the Armenian Genocide

The Armenian National Committee of America is sponsoring a "Call for Justice" tomorrow, asking Armenian Americans and others to phone their representatives in Congress and urge their support for Senate Resolution 106 and House Resolution 106, which would recognize the Armenian Genocide carried out by the Turks in the waning years of World War I.

You can find your representative at this Web site. Click on the name to get the representative's Web page and find the phone number to call.

Call California's U.S. Senators at these numbers:

Sen. Dianne Feinstein: (559) 485-7430 or (202) 224-3841

Sen. Barbara Boxer: (559) 497-5109 or (202 ) 224-3553

http://www.fresnobeehive.com/opinion/2007/06/recognizing_the_armenian_genoc.html

[Gavur]

ANCA Promotes Awareness of Armenian Genocide Resolution

Today American Armenians all over the US will participate in ANCA National Call-in Day to urge Congress to pass the Armenian Genocide Resolution, reports the Public Radio of Armenia. This resolution currently has 211 cosponsors, which is over 47% of the membership of the US House, but plans to reach 218 cosponsors. Depending on the caller’s ZIP Code, ANCA will provide them with their representative’s phone number and their respective stance on the resolution. With that, the caller can either express their appreciation for the representatives’ support, or urge the representative to cosponsor the resolution. (Source, Public Radio of Armenia)

[Evropeos]

Armenian National Committee of American


1711 N Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036
Tel. (202) 775-1918 * Fax. (202) 775-5648 * [email protected]


PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release ~ 2007-06-29
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian ~ Tel: (202) 775-1918


MAJORITY OF U.S. HOUSE MEMBERS COSPONSOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION


WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.106) reached an important milestone today with the number of cosponsors for the human rights measure growing to 218 – a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

“We welcome the growth of Armenian Genocide Resolution cosponsors to the 218 threshold – and want to extend our appreciation to Congressman Schiff and his colleagues who helped us reach this mark, as well as to each and everyone of the two hundred and eighteen cosponsors of this measure,” said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. “We look forward in the coming days and weeks to working with our chapters and activists across the country in maintaining and expanding the bipartisan majority in favor of the timely adoption of this human rights legislation.”

"In gaining 218 cosponsors, we have demonstrated that a majority of the House strongly supports recognizing the facts of the Armenian Genocide," said lead sponsor, Congressman Adam Schiff. "While there are still survivors left, we feel a great sense of urgency in calling attention to the attempted murder of an entire people. Our failure to acknowledge these dark chapters of history prevents us from taking more effective action against ongoing genocides, like Darfur."

Introduced on January 30th by Rep. Adam Schiff along with Representative George Radanovich (R-CA), Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), the Armenian Genocide resolution calls upon the President to ensure that the foreign policy of the United States reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide documented in the United States record relating to the Armenian Genocide. A similar resolution in the Senate (S.Res.106), introduced by Assistant Majority Leader xxxx Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) currently has 31 cosponsors, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton (D-NY).

Over the past five months, Armenian Americans and human rights advocates have joined with Members of Congress in educating their colleagues about the Armenian Genocide and the importance of proper recognition of this crime against humanity.

Just this week, thousands participated in the ANCA “Call for Justice Campaign,” a national Congressional call-in effort in support of H.Res.106. The campaign was a follow up to the weeklong ANCA “Click for Justice” web campaign in April.

On March 22nd and 23rd, over 100 activists from 25 states participated in the Washington, DC advocacy days, titled “End the Cycle of Genocide: Grassroots Capitol Campaign.” By the end of the whirlwind two-day campaign, organized by the ANCA and the Genocide Intervention Network (GI-Net), activists had visited all 100 Senate and 435 House of Representatives offices, meeting with Members of Congress and their staff, and dropping off information regarding pending Armenian and Darfur genocide legislation.

The grassroots campaign continued with the launching of the ANCA Western and Eastern Region POWER Initiatives designed to significantly expand community outreach and support. Dubbed “Project Outreach Western Region” in the West and “Project Outreach Waves the Eastern Region” in the East, the program has generated renewed grassroots activism in large and small communities. Travels to traditional strongholds in California, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Illinois have been complemented with visits to Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Nevada, North Carolina and South Carolina, expanded outreach to established communities in Ohio, Wisconsin and Missouri and burgeoning communities in Alabama, Colorado, Hawaii, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Washington state.

The Armenian Genocide resolution is supported by a broad-based coalition of over 47 human rights, religious, civic, and ethnic organizations, including the (in alphabetical order): American Federation of Jews from Central Europe (New York, NY), American Hellenic Council of CA (Los Angeles, CA), American Hellenic Institute (Washington, DC), American Hungarian Federation (Washington, DC), American Jewish World Service (New York, NY), American Latvian Association in the U.S. (Rockville, MD), American Values (Washington, DC), Arab American Institute (Washington, DC), Belarusan-American Association (Jamaica, NY), Bulgarian Institute for Research and Analysis (Bethesda, MD), Center for Russian Jewry with Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry (New York, NY), Center for World Indigenous Studies (Olympia, WA), Christian Solidarity International (Washington, DC), Congress of Romanian Americans (McLean, VA), Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (Lafayette, LA), Estonian American National Council (Rockville, MD), Genocide Intervention Network (Washington, DC), Global Rights (Washington, DC), Hmong National Development, Inc., Hungarian American Coalition (Washington, DC), Institute on Religion and Public Policy (Washington, DC), International Association of Genocide Scholars (New York, NY), Jewish Social Policy Action Network (Philadelphia, PA), Jewish War Veterans of the USA (Washington, DC), Jewish World Watch (Encino, CA), Joint Baltic American National Committee (Rockville, MD), Leadership Council for Human Rights (Washington, DC), Lithuanian American Community (Philadelphia, PA), Lithuanian American Council (Rockville, MD), National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (New York, NY), National Council of Churches USA (New York, NY), National Federation of American Hungarians (Washington, DC), National Federation of Filipino American Associations (Washington, DC), National Lawyer's Guild (New York, NY), Polish American Congress (Chicago, IL), Progressive Jewish Alliance (Los Angeles, CA), Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (Wyncote, PA), Slovak League of America (Passaic, New Jersey), The Georgian Association in the USA (Washington, DC), The Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring (New York, NY), U.S. Baltic Foundation (Washington, DC), Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (New York, NY), Ukrainian National Association (Parsippany, NJ), Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (Washington, DC), United Hellenic American Congress (Chicago, IL), Washington Chapter Czechoslovak National Council of America (Washington, DC), and the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (Philadelphia, PA).


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