Rep. Eliot L. Engel’s Statement on the 105th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

Washington—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement in commemoration of the 105^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide:

“Today is a somber day for the Armenian-American community and the Armenian diaspora around the world, as they mark the 105^th anniversary of the genocide of the Armenian people at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. Tragically, the Armenian people have, for the past 105 years, had to fight for the recognition of the pain and suffering they, their parents, their grandparents, and other Armenians endured.

“As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, last year I proudly helped lead the effort to finally put the House of Representatives on record recognizing the Armenian Genocide, something the Armenian-American community and many of my colleagues have fought to achieve for many years.  For the first time in history, both houses of Congress passed resolutions recognizing the suffering of the Armenian people as a genocide.

“And while the Armenian Genocide may have been the first genocide of the 20^th century, it sadly wasn’t the last. This is why it is so critical that we remember the suffering endured by the Armenian community and all others who have fallen victim to the most heinous crimes against humanity.

“So today I join with the people of Armenia and the Armenian diaspora in the U.S. and around the world in commemorating and condemning one of the darkest chapters in human history.”