— Senator Bill Bradley, January 13, 2000
(statement to the ANCA)
“We welcome Senator Bradley’s statement to the ANCA clearly defining his
views on issues of special concern to Armenian American voters,” said ANCA
Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “In this thoughtful and principled statement,
Senator Bradley calls on Turkey – in unambiguous terms – to acknowledge the
Armenian Genocide, echoing previous remarks he has made on the subject to
national television audiences. He also defends the Section 907 restrictions on
direct U.S. aid to Azerbaijan and stands up for the fundamental freedoms of the
people of Nagorno Karabagh – in contrast to the current Administration, which
has sought to force Nagorno Karabagh back under Azerbaijan’s control.”
Bradley has been forceful proponent of Armenian Genocide recognition since
his years in the Senate. His statement today notes that “The significance of the
Armenian Genocide transcends the suffering of those most immediately affected
and speaks to all of us who must carry the awful memory in our hearts daily,
educate out children to remember also, and, as a diverse nation, work for ethnic
understanding, defuse ethnic tensions, and resolve ethnic disputes to that there
is never again such a genocide.”
Bradley praised U.S. government and, in particular, Armenian American
assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh, which “signify that United
States-Armenia ties are the bedrock on which a future of peace, stability, and
security can be built for the Caucasus region.” Advocating “human rights and
fundamental freedoms of the people of Nagorno Karabakh,” Bradley also expressed
support for Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, which restricts direct U.S.
aid to the government of Azerbaijan until that country lifts its blockades of
Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh.
Bill Bradley’s statement comes in response to tens of thousands of postcards
already sent to him from around the nation as part of the ANCA’s ongoing million
postcard campaign to the top five Republican and Democrat presidential hopefuls.
Armenian Americans and concerned human rights activists from across the country
have swamped the ANCA’s national, regional and local chapters with requests to
participate in this national initiative, now in its third month.
The full text of Bill Bradley’s statement to the ANCA follows.
Bill Bradley believes that Armenia’s history, its present, and its future are
all of special importance to the United States. As he said at the National Press
Club last year, “First there was an Armenian genocide,” the first genocide of
the century that has just ended. It is important that we “never forget,” and
that the Turkish government acknowledge what happened, not only because 1.5
million Armenians were murdered by the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1923, but
because by facing the past honestly, humanity can reach a better future. The
significance of the Armenian Genocide transcends the sufferings of those most
immediately affected and speaks to all of us who must carry the awful memory in
our hearts daily, educate out children to remember also, and, as a diverse
nation, work for ethnic understanding, defuse ethnic tensions, and resolve
ethnic disputes so that there is never again such a genocide.
Modern Armenia deserves attention, admiration and support as it overcomes the
Soviet legacy and builds a democratic, free market society. The substantial
official American assistance and the even more valuable support of the
Armenian-American community signify that United States-Armenia ties are the
bedrock on which a future of peace, stability, and security can be built for the
Caucasus region.
The generosity of the Armenian-American community helped ease the tremendous
suffering and make possible reconstruction after the devastation of the 1988
earthquake. It has benefited Armenia’s economy by developing business and trade
relationships and has encouraged a cultural renaissance. Most recently, its
generosity has extended to the construction of a road to provide vital economic
links throughout Nagorno-Karabakh.
Armenia’s future as an independent, democratic and prosperous state can only
be secure, however, when Azerbaijan joins Armenia in resolving diplomatically
the disputes between them, most notably when the human rights and fundamental
freedoms of the people of Nagorno Karabakh are assured. Until those rights and
freedoms are fully respected, it is appropriate that the United States’
relations with Azerbaijan and United States assistance to Azerbaijan are limited
as Congress has mandated.
As President, Bill Bradley, who has been a friend of Armenia throughout his
career, will continue to dedicate himself to helping Armenians achieve
historical acknowledgment and modern Armenia gain peace and reconciliation with
its neighbors. As President dedicated to building an administration that will
reflect the diversity and genius of America’s people, he will continue to draw
heavily upon the talents and insights of Armenian Americans.