The Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of America (AGCCA) issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama’s April 24 address.
We are deeply disappointed President Obama has chosen to break his promise and stand apart from the global community on speaking the truth about the Armenian Genocide on its 100th anniversary.
From Pope Francis and Germany to Israeli President Rivlin and the European Parliament, world leaders joined together this month to call the Armenian Genocide by its proper name: genocide. Sadly, the president again joined the ranks of American leaders who turn a blind eye to genocide for political expediency.
Most troubling, President Obama’s explicit and forceful promise in 2008 to call the Armenian Genocide a “genocide” stands in striking contrast to his refusal to use the term. The American descendants of the 1.5 million Armenians systematically murdered by Ottoman Turkey 100 years ago deserve better leadership from their president. There can be no doubt that when history looks back on President Obama’s legacy, this broken promise and his failure to stand for truth and justice will reflect poorly.
This April 24 is not the end of this cause, but the start of a new chapter. From New York to California, and everywhere in between, it is clear that Turkey is losing its war on the truth. It will soon have to confront its past and do right by the descendants of the survivors. As Martin Luther King once remarked, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” Someday soon, our ancestors will be remembered with the dignity and respect they deserve. Never Forget 1915.
Guest Contributor
Latest posts by Guest Contributor (see all)
- Mourad Armenian School celebrates 90 years - April 17, 2024
- ARS & Hamazkayin celebrate Sona Zeitlian’s trailblazing 70 years of service jubilee - April 16, 2024
- Illinois communities hold flag raisings to commemorate Armenian Genocide - April 16, 2024
Please correct me if I am wrong but is it not true that while Israel expressed sympathy it steadfastly refused to use the term Genocide and instead used terms like tragedy, massacres, etc. is that somehow different from the U.S.?
Also is it not true that Israel is a major supplier of weapons to Azerbaijan. By arming an Islamic nation that kills Christian Armenians is Israel demonstrating ethics or principles? I think not. Where is the outrage about this?
The Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of America (AGCCA), should do a bit more research prior to making statements. Rivlin, who had called it a Genocide on prior occasions when he was the speaker of the knesset, failed to do so this year, as President angering Archbishop Aris Shirvanian. Accuracy = credibility.
http://www.jpost.com/landedpages/printarticle.aspx?id=399220
I am deeply disappointed by President Obama. I voted for him both times. On page 117 in his book, The audacity of Hope, he wrote, “Saying one thing during a campaign and doing another, once in office and you’re a typical, two faced politician.”
By no means he is not exclusive in that category as to the genocide, especially for presidents.In that respect I will not go into further detail, but the centenary of the genocide is particularly dismaying for such failure. On the other hand, I think, this has been the time of the most recognition from non Armenians.
One more thing, the copyright date for Obama’s book is 2006.
Unfortunately it seems like “Justice” and “Honor” have lost their meaning and significance. Evil seems to be triumphant.