News

WASHINGTON: With a vote of 27 to 21, the influential Foreign Affairs Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives took a major step toward affirming the historical truth of the Armenian Genocide, by adopting House Resolution 106. The Committee’s approval clears the way for full House of Representatives consideration of the human rights measure, expected to reach the floor next month.

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), counterpart organisation of ANC Australia, applauded the adoption as a “meaningful” milestone.

Mr. Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA, said: “The Foreign Affairs Committee’s adoption today of the Armenian Genocide Resolution represents a meaningful step toward reclaiming our right - as Americans - to speak openly and honestly about the first genocide of the 20th Century, free from the gag-rule that Turkey has, for far too long, sought to impose on nation’s elected officials.”

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.

The resolution is cosponsored by 226 Members of Congress from 39 states. A similar resolution in the Senate (S.Res.106), introduced by Assistant Majority Leader Dick 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 nine 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. The ANCA has mounted several national grassroots initiatives including the highly successful “Click for Justice” and “Call for Justice” campaigns as well as the “End the Cycle of Genocide” Advocacy Days, cosponsored with the Genocide Intervention Network.

ANC Australia said in a statement released today, that it reaffirms its support for “all measures to internationally recognise and condemn the Genocide of the Armenians”.

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Full Coverage

Opening Statement by Chairman Lantos at mark up of House Resolution 106

Session one debate - House Resolution 106

Session two vote - House Resolution 106

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