WASHINGTON, DC – Supporters of the Genocide Resolution, H.Res.193, in the U.S. House began collecting signatures today on a Congressional letter urging Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) to bring this human rights legislation to a vote as soon as possible, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

The letter, initiated by Rep. Radanovich (R-CA), stresses that, “As we saw in Rwanda a decade ago, and as we witness today the signs of a possible new genocide emerging around the world – as a government and a people – we must make sure that we apply the lessons of past genocide to prevent future crimes against humanity.”

The Genocide resolution was introduced in the House last April by Representatives Radanovich, Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI). It was adopted unanimously by the House Judiciary Committee in May and has 111 cosponsors. Its companion legislation in the Senate, S.Res.164, was introduced last June by Senators John Ensign (R-NV) and Jon Corzine (D-NJ) and currently has 37 cosponsors.

The resolution cites the importance of remembering past crimes against humanity, including the Armenian Genocide, Holocaust, Cambodian and Rwandan genocides, in an effort to stop future atrocities. Support for the measure has been widespread, with a diverse coalition of over 100 ethnic, religious, civil and human rights organizations calling for its passage, including American Values, National Organization of Women, Sons of Italy, NAACP, Union of Orthodox Rabbis, and the National Council of La Raza.

Provided below is Rep. Radanovich’s “Dear Colleague” letter, as well as the full text of the letter to Speaker Hastert.

Text of Congressional “Dear Colleague” Letter

January 27, 2003

Dear Colleague:

We are writing to urge you to sign the attached letter to Speaker Hastert expressing our strong support for bringing H.Res.193 to the House floor for a vote as soon as possible.

The Genocide Resolution marks the 15th anniversary of the U.S. implementation of the U.N. Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. This landmark Convention, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, specifically identifies genocide as a crime under international law. The legislation cites the Armenian Genocide as an example of past genocides, along with the Holocaust, the Rwandan and Cambodian genocides.

Two years ago, the European Union adopted a resolution affirming the Armenian Genocide. We now have a unique opportunity to join with the international community in helping to ensure the legacy of the Genocide is remembered so this human tragedy will not be repeated. To join this important initiative, please contact Nolty Theriot (5-4540).

Sincerely,

George Radanovich
Member of Congress

Text of Congressional letter to Speaker Hastert

January 30, 2004

The Honorable Dennis J. Hastert
Speaker of the House
235 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Speaker Hastert:

We are writing to share with you our strong support for bringing H.Res.193 to the House floor for a vote as soon as possible.

This measure, as you know, commemorates the 15th anniversary of U.S. implementation of the Genocide Convention and reinforces our nation’s dedication to this landmark human rights treaty. Approved in the shadow of the Holocaust, the Convention stands today as the international community’s best hope for the realization of the noble aim of eradicating forever the crime of genocide. The House Judiciary Committee, recognizing the importance of this effort, adopted H.Res.193 without opposition on May 21st. One hundred and ten Representatives have cosponsored this measure, including both the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee.

As we saw in Rwanda a decade ago, and as we witness today the signs of a possible new genocide emerging around the world – as a government and a people – we must make sure that we apply the lessons of past genocide to prevent future crimes against humanity. Sadly, even as we confront new genocides, we still have among us those who – against all facts and morality- deny the Holocaust or seek rewrite the history of the past atrocities. These hateful deniers dishonor the dead and threaten the living. They make the world a more dangerous place by emboldening future potential perpetrators of genocide to believe that their crimes can be committed with impunity. Adolf Hitler confirmed this with his chilling remark to his military staff prior to launching the Holocaust: “who, after all, remembers the annihilation of the Armenians.”

Clearly, the struggle against genocide is not over. The pressing need to remain ever vigilant was underscored recently by Samantha Power, Pulitzer Prize winning author of “A Problem from Hell” American in the Age of Genocide. Commenting on similar legislation in the 107th Congress, she noted that, “For too long American leaders and citizens have reflexively uttered the phrase ‘never again’ without taking concrete steps to give the slogan meaning. This legislation marks the beginning of a twenty-first century campaign to get the U.S. government to commit itself politically and operationally to prevent future genocide.”

Recalling your support for H.Res.596 in the 106th Congress and knowing of your principled advocacy for human rights around the world, we ask that you please move quickly to schedule a vote on H.Res.193. Thank you for your consideration of our request.