Rep. Costa Praises Approval Of Armenian Genocide Resolution By Foreign Affairs Committee
March 4, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C – Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) released the following statement today after H. Res. 252, a House resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide was approved by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Approval by the Committee is a key step towards the resolution being considered by the full House of Representatives. "As we approach the 95th anniversary of the start of the Armenian Genocide, I am pleased that members of the Foreign Affairs Committee came together to approve this resolution," Costa said. "Established history shows that between 1915 and 1923 the Ottoman Empire systematically killed an estimated 1.5 million Armenians and drove hundreds of thousands of others into exile from their ancestral homeland. The Armenian Genocide created a framework for genocide, as similar atrocities continued to occur throughout the 20th century in the Holocaust, Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur."
Along with 42 U.S. States, the Armenian Genocide has been officially recognized by more than 20 nations, including 11 NATO allies. As Senators, President Obama, Vice President Biden, and Secretary of State Clinton recognized the Armenian Genocide and called upon Congress to adopt the Armenian Genocide Resolution.
"We simply cannot continue our policy of denial regarding the Armenian Genocide," Costa said. "Silence on this issue runs contrary to our nation's values and record on human rights. Genocide must never be glossed over and forgotten. As the President has said, the Armenian Genocide is not an allegation, an opinion, or a point of view, but rather a fact supported by an undeniable body of evidence."
Similar resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide have passed the Foreign Affairs Committee in 2000, 2005, and 2007. Throughout his career, Congressman Costa has been a strong supporter and advocate for the Armenian community in the San Joaquin Valley and around the world.
Costa added, "World leaders, especially the United States, must recognize this genocide and condemn any genocide around the world. I will work to bring this resolution before the full House for a vote. Congress must adopt this resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide so we can truly say ‘never again.'"
Video of Congressman Costa speaking in support of the Armenian Genocide Resolution can be seen here
Along with 42 U.S. States, the Armenian Genocide has been officially recognized by more than 20 nations, including 11 NATO allies. As Senators, President Obama, Vice President Biden, and Secretary of State Clinton recognized the Armenian Genocide and called upon Congress to adopt the Armenian Genocide Resolution.
"We simply cannot continue our policy of denial regarding the Armenian Genocide," Costa said. "Silence on this issue runs contrary to our nation's values and record on human rights. Genocide must never be glossed over and forgotten. As the President has said, the Armenian Genocide is not an allegation, an opinion, or a point of view, but rather a fact supported by an undeniable body of evidence."
Similar resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide have passed the Foreign Affairs Committee in 2000, 2005, and 2007. Throughout his career, Congressman Costa has been a strong supporter and advocate for the Armenian community in the San Joaquin Valley and around the world.
Costa added, "World leaders, especially the United States, must recognize this genocide and condemn any genocide around the world. I will work to bring this resolution before the full House for a vote. Congress must adopt this resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide so we can truly say ‘never again.'"
Video of Congressman Costa speaking in support of the Armenian Genocide Resolution can be seen here