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Sarbanes Commemorates Armenian Genocide

October 29, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today, Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) delivered remarks in support of H.Res. 296, a resolution affirming the United States' recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

See below for a video and a transcript of the Congressman's remarks. See here for text of the resolution.

"Today, the House of Representatives will affirm – finally – that we recognize the horrors of the Armenian Genocide and are committed to remembering the victims of this crime against humanity.

"Our moral standing in the world requires us to acknowledge the truth of the Armenian Genocide.

"For too long, we have acquiesced on Turkey's policy of genocide denial, unwilling to risk the ire of our so-called ally. However, Turkey's actions against the Kurds in Syria have reinforced what many of us have long known: Erdogan's Turkey does not stand for human rights or religious freedom, but instead spreads authoritarianism wherever it goes.

"Erdogan's disdain for democracy and contempt for an ally were on display two years ago, when his bodyguards attacked peaceful demonstrators right here in our nation's capital.

"I am pleased that, later today, the House will vote to impose sanctions on Turkey for its actions in Syria. This resolution and that bill are tied together. They are both powerful statements that we respect fundamental human rights and that we desire to stand on the right side of history."

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