Rep. Schiff Statement in Recognition of the Armenian Genocide
Los Angeles, CA – Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Glendale), Vice Chair of the Armenian-American Caucus, released a statement in recognition of the Armenian Genocide:
“104 years ago, the Ottoman Empire murdered 1.5 million Armenians in the first genocide of the 20th century. That is a stark and terrible fact, one on which there is no debate. The facts of the genocide were recorded in real time by our diplomats who watched the slaughter in horror.
“It is shameful that presidents from both parties, including President Trump today, have issued statements that describe the facts of the genocide, but stop short of calling it what it was. The denial of the genocide is an enduring wound to the Armenian people who descended from survivors to build lives here in the United States, in Armenia, and around the world.
“For far too long, Turkey has been allowed to exercise a veto on the U.S. government's recognition of the genocide. That has always been outrageous, but as Turkey sinks into dictatorship, purchases Russian missile defense systems, and even assaults Americans on our soil, it is simply a farce. It must end.
“Nearly 90 members of the House have already joined as cosponsors of the Armenian Genocide resolution, and we will continue to build on this support. The truth is on our side. The memory of those who were lost is on our side. The resilience and strength of the Armenian people to survive and rebuild is on our side. Today we remember the victims of Armenian Genocide and we affirm the survival and flourishing of the Armenian people. Tomorrow, we get back to work to secure full recognition, and we will never rest until we succeed.”
Rep. Schiff will attend events across Los Angeles today in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.