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Trump urged to recognize Armenian genocide

Gil Harootunian listens to a speech April 23, 2016, at Fresno State’s Armenian Genocide Monument. She was raised by grandparents who survived the genocide. She purposely did not wear black, saying she is looking to the future and rebirth: “My grandparents survived the genocide, so I could live.”
Gil Harootunian listens to a speech April 23, 2016, at Fresno State’s Armenian Genocide Monument. She was raised by grandparents who survived the genocide. She purposely did not wear black, saying she is looking to the future and rebirth: “My grandparents survived the genocide, so I could live.” JOHN WALKER jwalker@fresnobee.com

A big thank you goes out to Reps. Jim Costa, Jeff Denham, Devin Nunes and David Valadao for joining numerous other representatives to urge President Trump to properly recognize the Armenian genocide.

Given the bitter climate of partisan politics these days, it is refreshing that Valley Democrats and Republicans can stand together for this worthy cause. The issue is one that concerns more than just Armenians and Turks.

During the genocide (1915-23), which left 1.5 million murdered at the hands of the Ottoman Turkish government, America stepped in to provide $116 million ($2.5 billion in 2017 dollars) of relief, saving countless lives from starvation and further violence. Afterward, many Armenians immigrated to the U.S., where they embraced the liberty and opportunities afforded by their new home.

Proper recognition thus includes acknowledgment of not only this crime against humanity according to the U.N. Convention on the Prevention of Genocide but the great humanitarian role played by the U.S.

Our Valley legislators are to be commended by Armenians and Americans alike for their moral stand.

Joe Alarmani, Fresno

This story was originally published April 15, 2017 at 3:54 PM with the headline "Trump urged to recognize Armenian genocide."

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