WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA) today applauded the House Foreign Affairs Committee for passing H. Res. 106, a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide from the early twentieth century by a vote of 27-21, readying it for House Floor action.

“As an original co-sponsor of the House resolution to recognize the Armenian genocide, I am pleased to see the House Foreign Affairs Committee pass this resolution and send it to the House Floor. I hope that the full House of Representatives will have an opportunity to vote on this resolution soon. I believe that by passing this resolution, we will contribute to the process of rebuilding relations between Armenians and Turks and help heal the wounds from that dark period of history,” said Rep. Markey.

“The failure of the international community to deter and, if necessary, stop genocide by use of force, has only served to embolden those who seek to do evil. Remember that Hitler wrote to his commanders a week before the Nazi invasion of Poland, ‘Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?’ A true reckoning of history is essential, not only to ensure that we never forget what happened to the Armenians , but as a commitment preventing such things from ever happening again, and to strive towards making a better future for the Armenian people, a people who have suffered so much.”


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2007

CONTACT: Jessica Schafer, 202.225.2836