WASHINGTON, DC – ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian, in response to a March 17th LA Times article titled ” Obama wavers on pledge to declare Armenian genocide,” issued the following statement:

“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.”

Rep. Adam Schiff, in a comment to the Los Angeles Times in response to those seeking to discourage the President from honoring his pledge, said, “The argument that some are making now is only the latest incarnation of the same old tired refrain: that we should recognize the genocide — just not this year.”

To see Pres. Obama’s complete record on Armenian Genocide recognition, visit:
https://www.anca.org/assets/pdf/hill_notes/022409.pdf

To read the LA Times piece, visit:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama-genocide17-2009mar17,0,3250498.story