Transcript [PDF] - House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats

39
In keeping with the humanitarian spirit of America and this legislative
body, we must, we should be the global leaders in recognizing
and condemning all genocides past and present. Why is this
important now Because denying genocide sets a dangerous precedent
that makes future genocides more likely. As such, I support
the Armenian Genocide Resolution.
The Armenian Genocide must not be put on the backburner of
history for fear of acknowledging the truth or offending our ally
Turkey. This resolution simply once and for all seeks to characterize
the deliberate extermination of 1.5 million Armenians as
genocide. For the sake of commemorating every instance of genocide
so as to prevent its recurrence, let us adopt this resolution
today and urge its final passage on the floor. Thank you, Mr.
Chairman. I yield back the balance of my time.
Chairman BERMAN. Gentleman yields back. The gentleman from
Missouri, the chair of the International Organizations, Human
Rights and Oversight Subcommittee, Mr. Carnahan, seeks recognition
Mr. CARNAHAN. I move to strike the last word.
Chairman BERMAN. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Chairman, and all those here today, there is
a great respect for this debate and the strong feelings on all sides.
But today this committee has convened to consider H. Res. 252, a
nonbinding resolution calling on the President to ensure that the
foreign policy of the United States reflects understanding and sensitivity
concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing,
and genocide related to the Armenian Genocide.
As we prepare to make this important decision, it is equally important
to recall that United States foreign policy has very long reflected
these sensitivities. The historic facts are undeniable, and we
share and will continue to share with the Armenian people, and all
people, the solemn remembrance of the terrible atrocities of 1915.
In 1999, President Clinton urged Americans to learn from the past
while looking to the future and ‘‘recommit themselves to building
a world where such events never occur again.’’
In 2008, President Obama also acknowledged the importance of
addressing the past while working for the future. President Obama
affirmed, ‘‘It is really about how the Turkish and Armenian people
deal with the past, and the best way forward for the Turkish and
Armenian people is a process, a process that works through the
past in a way that is honest, open and constructive.’’ Accordingly,
it is important that the United States support the efforts that have
been already initiated to open a process of discussion based on mutual
respect and sensitivity, aimed at reaching a bilateral consensus
on the historical atrocities committed in the final years of
the Ottoman Empire.
This process will have to be serious, sober, and deeply reflective
for both the Armenian and Turkish people working together for a
strong future. Last year we saw brave historic steps taken by both
sides to improve bilateral relations and usher in a new era of
peaceful coexistence and mutual prosperity. The United States has
supported these normalization efforts and I believe we must continue
to do so, especially within the context of the struggles we still
face combating terrorism, securing peace in the Middle East, as
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