Thursday, April 23, 2015
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
United StatesTitle
A Century of Denial: The Armenian Genocide and the Ongoing Quest for Justice
Official Transcript:
Members:
Name:
Hon. Chris Smith
Title Text:
Chairman
Body:
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Statement:
Name:
Hon. Sheldon Whitehouse
Title Text:
Commissioner
Body:
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Statement:
Witnesses:
Name:
Dr. Taner Akçam
Title:
Professor of History, Robert Aram, Marianne Kaloosdian and Stephen and Marian Mugar Chair in Armenian Genocide Studies
Body:
Clark University
Statement:
Name:
Kenneth Hachikian
Title:
Chairman
Body:
Armenian National Committee of America
Statement:
Name:
Van Krikorian
Title:
Co-Chairman
Body:
Board of Trustees of the Armenian Assembly of America
Statement:
At this hearing, Chairman Chris Smith and other lawmakers examined denialism of the Armenian Genocide by the Government of Turkey and the decades-long effort to seek accountability. The hearing also provided 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.
Witnesses testifying at the hearing focused on the sustained campaign of the Turkish government to deny the Armenian genocide and its impact on Armenian-Turkish relations and foreign policy in the region. Turkey’s denialism of its past and making it an essential part of its foreign policy was identified as a threat to democracy, stability, and security in the entire region.
Relevant issues:
Leadership:
