ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA RESPONSE TO TURKISH PRIME MINISTER ERDOGAN'S STATEMENT ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE ANNIVERSARY
24-04-2014 16:09:05 | USA | Politics
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Prime Minister of Turkey, Recep Tayip Erdogan, released a statement on the day before Armenians worldwide commemorate and remember the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide committed in Ottoman Turkey between 1915 and 1923.
While this statement is the first of its kind, it falls far short of acknowledging the Armenian Genocide and simultaneously adds to the layers of denial that have emanated from official Ankara. Without full acceptance of its genocidal legacy, the Republic of Turkey's statement to the descendants of Armenian Genocide victims does not bring closure.
"The victims of the Armenian Genocide cannot rest in peace as long as Turkey continues its campaign of genocide denial," stated Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "Rather than spending millions of dollars to thwart international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, including America's proud chapter of humanitarian intervention to help save the survivors, the Turkish government needs to address the consequences of genocide and its 99 years of denial," added Ardouny.
The Assembly remains encouraged by the irreversible trend within Turkish society that has begun to question the official Turkish thesis and learn the truth of the Armenian Genocide. From Orhan Pamuk to Eli Shafak, from Ragip Zarakolu to Hrant Dink, the number of academics and journalists in Turkey who courageously speak about the Armenian Genocide continues to grow.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
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