AHI Statement Regarding The Armenian Genocide Resolution -- H.Res. 398

As the House International Relations Committee prepares to consider on H.Res.398 -- The Armenian Genocide Resolution -- on Thursday, September 28, the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) joins with the Armenian American community in helping to ensure passage of this important human rights legislation.

H.Res.398 calls on the United States President to "ensure appropriate training and materials" to be given to the State Department, Foreign Service and other executive branch officials regarding the Armenian Genocide. It also urges the President to properly characterize the Armenians Genocide as genocide in the President's annual April 24 address.

The historical record on the Armenian Genocide and similar genocides perpetrated against the Pontian Greek and Assyrian minorities by the Turkish Government, is well documented. The continued efforts by Turkey to deny these genocides only serves as an obstacle to regional stability and greater regional cooperation. We urge the House International Relations Committee and the full House of Representatives to affirm the U.S. record on the Armenian Genocide by adopting H.Res.398.

Eugene T. Rossides

General Counsel