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89.3 KPCC, Southern California
April 24 2013
Recognizing the Armenian genocide
Today, Wednesday April 24th, marks the annual remembrance day for the
estimated 1.5 million Armenians who died in the former Ottoman Empire,
present day Turkey.
President Obama's official statement for Armenian Remembrance Day did
not include the word "genocide" despite a 2008 campaign promise to
recognize the deaths of Armenians as such. "America deserves a leader
who speaks truthfully about the Armenian Genocide and responds
forcefully to all genocides," Obama said in 2008. "I intend to be that
president."
Several California legislators including Rep. Brad Sherman and Rep.
Adam Schiff called on Obama to use the word "genocide" but so far the
White House has resisted.
Why is using the term genocide still a politically touchy subject? Is
the US concerned about preserving its strategic relationship with
Turkey? What would be the political fallout if the President did use
the term genocide? How is this omission seen by the local Armenian and
Turkish
http://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2013/04/24/31480/recognizing-the-armenian-genocide/
April 24 2013
Recognizing the Armenian genocide
Today, Wednesday April 24th, marks the annual remembrance day for the
estimated 1.5 million Armenians who died in the former Ottoman Empire,
present day Turkey.
President Obama's official statement for Armenian Remembrance Day did
not include the word "genocide" despite a 2008 campaign promise to
recognize the deaths of Armenians as such. "America deserves a leader
who speaks truthfully about the Armenian Genocide and responds
forcefully to all genocides," Obama said in 2008. "I intend to be that
president."
Several California legislators including Rep. Brad Sherman and Rep.
Adam Schiff called on Obama to use the word "genocide" but so far the
White House has resisted.
Why is using the term genocide still a politically touchy subject? Is
the US concerned about preserving its strategic relationship with
Turkey? What would be the political fallout if the President did use
the term genocide? How is this omission seen by the local Armenian and
Turkish
http://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2013/04/24/31480/recognizing-the-armenian-genocide/