YEREVAN (A.W.)—Members of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) of Armenia and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) “Nigol Aghpalian” Student Association held a protest on April 16 at the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan, calling for U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
Around 70 protesters held signs and banners that read, “Armenian history is not for sale” and “Turkey still hides behind lies.”
Speaking to the Armenian Weekly, AYF Armenia member Hovo Stepanyan said the demonstration was part of a series of protests being held around the world. “ARF youth and student organizations around the world are holding protests at U.S. embassies and consulates, urging them to recognize the genocide and to put pressure on Turkey to do so as well,” said Stepanyan. “We not only demand recognition from the Republic of Turkey, but also demand reparations and restitution.”
Over the past month, AYF members have held demonstrations at the Yerevan embassies of the European Union (EU), United Kingdom, and Germany.
Protesters then handed U.S. Embassy Yerevan representative Brian Roraff a letter urging President Barack Obama to honor his election-time pledge to recognize the Armenian Genocide. Roraff promised the protesters that he would hand the letter to the ambassador and that it would be promptly delivered to the White House.
Rupen Janbazian
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The Past: Let us all honor our Christian brothers and sistrs who were murdered horrifically during the Hamidian massacres of l894-96, about 1/2 a million of them. Plus, 1.5 millioon more persecuted and deported after April 24, 1915 making the figure nearaly 2 million innocent human beings. Shame, shame on the present Turky’s government that still is in denial, and shame to all others inclusing the Obama administration that has reneged his promise to recognize the Armenian Genocide, thus far. Kudos to all human rights loving folks all over the world.The Present: Let’s celebrate our living folks and never forget our past history. The Future: We all must ensure the freedom of worship (in our case) Christianity, and protect our future generations, After all, it is our Constitutional right to be free to choose our religion, and have the freedom of speech and press also. Let us all commemorate this very special Centennial of the Armenian Genecide with Truth, Ingegrity and Love of God!
Armenian need very strong army to protect and enforce our rights. Just talking will takes no where! Even if all the world recognizes what has happened to Armenian would not put one cent in our pocket. So, instead begging others for recognition and other things, let us help Armenia to become strong! Ask your-self, what makes you an Armenian?
When the U.S. sends humanitarian aid will they be as quick to show up as the embassy with signs of thanks?