The Armenian people’s long past is a close parallel to our own nation’s past – founded under oppression, survivors in the face of great tragedy, and stronger because of it all.
Armenians have made their mark on history as innovators and leaders, originating from an area at the heart of civilization, but too often their names are associated with tragedy.
This April marks the 88th anniversary of what is not only remembered as one of the greatest tragedies of teh 20th century, but one of the greatest crimes of conscious in the history of man.
From 1915-1923, the Ottoman Empire systematically murdered more than 1.5 million Armenians. 500,000 were cast out of their homes, sent as exiles, away from their homes. This was more than just a tragedy against a people, this was genocide and the Armenian people still bear the scars of this horror to this day.
I know President Bush shares our admiration and support for the Armenian people. I hope this month he will recognize this tragedy in the most accurate terms by calling it a genocide. He has voiced his support but he has not yet done so in the appropriate terms.
I was pleased to join more than 150 colleagues here in the House in sending a letter to the President urging him to include “genocide” in his recognitions. I thank Frank Pallone, George Radanovich, Joe Knollenberg, Adam Schiff for their leadership on this issue.
It is important we take time each year to remember the Armenian Genocide. Historically, America has played a leading role in helping to establish freedom and to end oppression. We reaffirm our commitment to help prevent future tragedies by recognizing those tragedies of the past.
Mr. Speaker, as a State Senator, I had the opportunity to introduce similar legislation in the Michigan Senate and saw the recognition approved and signed by our governor. I am again pleased to support the resolution here in the House.
Our support for the Armenians, however, is not based solely on the past – this relationship is being built with an eye toward the future. A future as partners and friends.
In fostering that relationship, I support H. Res. 528 to establish Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) for Armenia.
Armenia is just the kind of emerging economy that the U.S. should be supporting:
• It is now a member of the WTO.
• In 2002, nearly $132 million in goods and services changed hands between our two countries – 59% more than 2001.
• In a comparative survey, the Wall Street Journal determined that they offered greater economic freedom than South Korea, Poland, and Hungary.
PNTR will help to offset the continued economic discrimination Armenia suffers. Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades are sapping up to $720 million from the economy – nearly 1/3 of Armenia’s GDP.
Mr. Speaker, Armenian Americans have contributed much to our society – we are a stronger and better nation because of their efforts. I appreciate the opportunity today to add my name to those who offer their support to Americans here in America and around the world.
Thank you. I yield back the balance of my time.
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Actual Floor statements (4/9/03)
One Minute on the 88th Observance of the Armenian Genocide
Rep. Thaddeus McCotter
Mr. Speaker, between 1915-1923, the Ottoman Empire systematically murdered more than 1.5 million innocent Armenian men, women, and children; and 500,000 Armenians were compelled to flee their homes and escape into exile.
This crime constituted a heinous milestone in modern evil:
It was the twentieth century's first recorded instance of genocide.
This tragedy - this crime against humanity - must be remembered by all people of good conscience, lest only evil men remember and be tempted to repeat this horrific lesson of history.
For in fact, while most of the civilized world resisted acknowledging this mass murder, one barbarian at the gate did not; and, that is why, on the eve of his own paroxysm of mass murder, Adolph Hitler blithely remarked: "Who today remembers the annihilation of the Armenians?"
Mr. Speaker, on the 88th observance of one of human history's greatest tragedies and most savage crimes, we have the vile Herr Hitler's answer: We remember the murdered Armenians. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.
I yield back the balance of my time.