John Conyers: “tonight I rise to remind the world that the 24th of April marked the 89th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, a…”

“tonight I rise to remind the world that the 24th of April marked the 89th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, a systematic and deliberate campaign of genocide of the Ottoman Empire. Also, it marked yet another year with the U.S. formally recognizing the atrocities that occurred. Considering how well documented the genocide is in the U.S. archives and through an overwhelming body of first-hand, governmental, and diplomatic evidence this is nothing less than a disgrace. I also rise to reaffirm my support for the adoption of the Genocide Resolution H. Res. 193. The purpose of this legislation is prevent future genocides by stressing the importance of remembering and learning the lessons of past crimes against humanity, including the Armenian Genocide, Holocaust, and the Cambodian and Rwandan genocides in hopes of preventing future atrocities. In addition, this resolution strengthen America's commitment to the universal values of the Genocide Convention and asks the United States to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Genocide Convention. Support for this legislation is widespread with a diverse coalition of over 100 ethnic, religious, civil, and human rights organizations calling for its passage.”