Smith to Chair Hearing on Armenian Genocide 100 Years Ago; Hearing set for Thurs. April 23

Press Release

Congressman Chris Smith, Chairman of The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, announced a hearing entitled "A Century of Denial: The Armenian Genocide and the Ongoing Quest for Justice."

The hearing will be held Thursday, April 23, at 1:30 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Room 2175.

On the 100th anniversary of the first genocide of the modern era, Armenians are still fighting for recognition of the genocidal nature of the massacres that began in 1915 and resulted in the death of as many as 1.5 million people. The government of Turkey continues to deny the genocide and actively punishes those who recognize it.In fact, Smith called President Obama himself to recognize the genocide.

"I appeal to the President to recognize the genocide of the Armenians. On the centenary of this tragedy we should join the German government and Pope Francis in speaking this word of truth," said Smith (NJ-04), chairman of the Helsinki Commission and the House global human rights subcommittee, ahead of the hearing. "I also appeal to the Turkish government to recognize the genocide and issue a genuine apology. As mass atrocities unfold in Syria and Iraq, the world needs Turkey to engage constructively with its neighbors. The Turkish government can do this only after it honestly faces its own past."

The hearing will examine denialism by the Government of Turkey and the decades-long effort to seek accountability. The hearing will also provide an opportunity to assess potential countercurrents in Turkish society that could move the Government of Turkey toward recognition, and explore what the United States and other countries can do to help bring about recognition and eventually, reconciliation.

The following witnesses are scheduled to testify:

Dr. Taner Akçam, Professor of History, Robert Aram, Marianne Kaloosdian and Stephen and Marian Mugar Chair in Armenian Genocide Studies, Clark University

Mr. Kenneth V. Hachikian, Chairman of the Armenian National Committee of America

Mr. Van Z. Krikorian, Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Armenian Assembly of America

Dr. Elizabeth H. Prodromou, Visiting Associate Professor of Conflict Resolution, The Fletcher School, Tufts University

Additional witnesses may be added.

Source