Levin to Turkey: Admit Armenian genocide

Carl Levin
Carl Levin

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — U.S. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich), issued the following statement concerning the Armenian Genocide: “Today, April 24, people around the world will pause to observe Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. We will pause to reflect on the historical facts of the Armenian genocide – the deaths of more than 1.5 million men, women and children as part of a campaign of deportation, starvation and violence against an ethnic minority by the rulers of a collapsing Ottoman Empire in 1915.

“I add my voice to those who have called upon the Republic of Turkey to recognize the truth of this dark moment in history and to engage in a forthright discussion about the nature of that history and its continuing effects.

“The world has seen many examples of how acknowledgement of the past, however painful, is important to the present and future. Germany’s acknowledgment of the Holocaust was essential to Europe’s post-war recovery and unity. The reconciliation process in post-apartheid South Africa was essential to creating a stable, more inclusive nation. And just recently, in Rwanda, we have seen the fruits of attempts to reconcile twenty years after nearly 1 million people died in ethnic-driven violence. None of these reconciliation efforts has been easy; each has stumbled at times. But each has demonstrated the value, indeed the necessity, of acknowledging and remembering painful history.

“Moreover, those who perished should be remembered. Silence in the face of injustice and hatred – whether it is happening today or happened a century ago – is a signal to those who would exercise injustice or hatred in the future. By remembering the Armenian Genocide, we speak out for its victims and for all victims of ethnic hatred and violence.”

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Preceding provided by Senator Carl Levin

 

1 thought on “Levin to Turkey: Admit Armenian genocide”

  1. As an American from Armenian lineage I thank you Senator Levin. If only our President had an ounce of your integrity.

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