PRESS RELEASE
April 21, 2005

Armenian Genocide Anniversary Commemorated on Capitol Hill

The 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was commemorated in a moving and dignified ceremony in the United States Congress hosted by the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues. Members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives and congressional staffers were joined by representatives of Armenian-American organizations and communities from all over the United States, as well as members of the Armenian American community and friends of Armenia in Greater Washington area.

Addressing the commemoration event, Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States Tatoul Markarian noted that it was symbolic that his first public speech coincided with the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Reflecting on the genocides in Rwanda and the African region of Darfur, Ambassador Markarian noted that success of efforts to achieve international recognition of the Armenian Genocide can be judged by the world’s ability to “to uproot the triumph of evil that genocides represent.”

Ambassador Markarian noted that although historical justice and moral obligation are sufficient reasons for pursuing the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the issue also has direct bearing on current developments and prospects for peace and stability in South Caucasus region. Turkey’s inability to come to terms with history affected the current Turkish foreign policy, noted the Armenian Ambassador, citing Turkey’s refusal to normalize its relations with and lift its blockade on Armenia, as well as its unconstructive position on Nagorno Karabakh. Turkey should overcome the political challenge of the past, and we would welcome it, said the Armenian Ambassador. Since independence, Armenia has proposed and is ready to establish diplomatic relations with Turkey without preconditions, which, Ambassador Markarian said, could create normal environment for discussing outstanding issues in Armenian-Turkish relations.

Ambassador Markarian noted that many EU members were making the acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide a litmus test of Turkey’s willingness to address its human rights record and to embrace fundamental values. In turn, he added, U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide would send a powerful message to the entire world that genocides had no place in twenty-first century and that there was no statute of limitations for genocidal acts.

Remarks by Ambassador Tatoul Markarian at the Congressional Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide