Armenian National Committee of America urges Obama to keep campaign pledge on
Armenian genocide
March 17, 7:27 AM ·
The Los Angeles Times is reporting today that the Obama administration is hesitating on a promised presidential declaration that Armenians were the victims of genocide in the early 20th century, fearful of alienating Turkey when U.S. officials badly want its help.
President Obama and other top administration officials pledged during the presidential campaign to officially designate the 1915 killings of Armenians by the Ottoman Turks as genocide. Many Armenian Americans, who are descendants of the victims and survivors, have long sought such a declaration.
The report drew immediate reaction from Armenia National Committee of America Executive Director Aram Hamparian: "During Barack Obama's years in the U.S. Senate and in the months leading up to his election last November as President, he clearly characterized the Armenian Genocide as a thoroughly-documented instance of genocide, forcefully called for U.S. recognition of this crime, and consistently pledged to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide if elected to the White House. We know the President to be a man of his word, respect his commitment to ending the cycle of genocide, and look forward to his finally bringing an end to U.S. complicity in Turkey's shameful campaign of genocide denial."
The report by Paul Richter says the administration has been soliciting Ankara's help on Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and other security issues amid Turkish warnings that an official U.S. statement would imperil Turkey's assistance.
Administration officials are considering postponing a presidential statement, citing progress toward a thaw in relations between Turkey and neighboring Armenia. Further signs of warming -- such as talk of reopening border crossings -- would strengthen arguments that a U.S. statement could imperil the progress.
"At this moment, our focus is on how, moving forward, the United States can help Armenia and Turkey work together to come to terms with the past," said Michael Hammer, a spokesman for the National Security Council. He said the administration was "encouraged" by improvements in relations and believed it was "important that the countries have an open and honest dialogue about the past."
The ANCA is the largest 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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