What Better Time Than Now?

Today, a little before noon on Capitol Hill, Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), and George Radanovich (R-CA) held a press conference, formally announcing the introduction of a resolution in the US Congress calling for the proper recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

I was able to attend this event and actually had the honor of escorting two Genocide survivors, Rose Baboyan and Yeretzkeen Khoyan, up to the conference room where it was held. There was close to sixty people in attendance; mostly staffers, Armenian community members, and media representatives. After announcing that the resolution had been officially introduced, each Congressman gave a few words summing up their thoughts on the significance and prospects of having it passed. They then took questions from the media and members of the audience.

Perhaps the major theme of the press conference was that if there was ever a time to pass this resolution, that time was now. Some of the points made in this regard were:

1. The Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, has been a longtime champion of recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Unlike the former Speaker Dennis Hastert, she is less likely not to block the bill from being put to the floor for a vote.
2. The recent murder of Hrant Dink, a well-known and outspoken Armenian journalist in Turkey, clearly illustrates the brutal consequences of Turkey's continuing campaign of denial.
3. Given the fact that US troops were prevented from using Turkish air bases in the invasion of Iraq, it will be much more difficult to present Turkey as a loyal friend of US interests in the Middle East.
4. By not recognizing and commemorating the Armenian Genocide, it will be impossible for the US to claim moral authority and leadership on issues such as the ongoing genocide in Darfur.
5. More people in the US know about the facts of the Armenian Genocide than ever before. These citizens demand a clear acknowledgement of historical truth on behalf of their government.
6. Despite the fact that numerous members-states of the EU recognize the Armenian Genocide, Turkey continues seeking to improve relations and move closer to Europe. This demonstrates the fact that Turkey's threats of breaking relations with countries that recognize the Genocide have proven to be mostly empty.
7. The US must recognize the Armenian Genocide while there are still a few survivors alive among us. The more we wait, the more injustice we do to their legacy and the hardship they endured.

Thus, on many fronts, there are more reasons than ever to be optimistic and steadfast about achieving affirmation of the Armenian Genocide. However, it should not be assumed for one minute that this resolution will easily pass now that it has been introduced. Aggressive lobbying and pressure against the bill will surely be exerted by the paid henchman of Turkey and its misled allies in Washington. There will be several obstacles along the way and it is the responsibility of every person who cares about this issue to firmly remind their elected officials that the time is now--we will stand for nothing less than clear and proper recognition.

It will be a glorious moment when the US officially recognizes the Armenian Genocide. There is definately a possibility that this might happen in 2007. But that is not enough. It is up to us to do everything in our power to make sure that this possibility finally turns into a reality.