Former Vice President Joe Biden and current front-runner in the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary called on the U.S. to “once and for all” reaffirm its policy on the Armenian Genocide, sharing his support for U.S. Senate and House legislation (S.Res.150 and H.Res.296) which permanently locks in official recognition, rejects Turkey’s denial, and encourages public education regarding this crime, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
In a statement posted to his Facebook and Twitter accounts, Biden marked the 28th anniversary of Armenian independence and went on to note that “history is not complete unless we recognize, once and for all, the Metz Yeghern — the Armenian Genocide.” He offered his support for pending Armenian Genocide legislation, noting “it’s past time for the United States to support this important legislation.” Biden has over 1.4 million followers on Facebook and 3.7 million followers on Twitter.
“Joe Biden sent a clear message to House Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader McConnell to green-light votes on the Armenian Genocide Resolution – H.Res.296 and S.Res.150 – in their respective chambers of Congress,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “How these two leaders – from opposing parties – advance or obstruct these resolutions will speak volumes about the respect they – and their respective parties – hold for Armenian American views, values, and votes.”
Earlier this week, on September 16th, in a letter to the ANCA, Biden noted “We must never forget or remain silent about this horrific and systematic campaign of extermination that resulted in the deaths of 1.5 million Armenian men, women, and children and the mass deportation of 2 million Armenians from their homes.”
Hamparian, in responses to an interview with Voice of America regarding Biden’s letter, stressed the importance of having Armenian American concerns – U.S. Armenia relations, Artsakh security and freedom, a principled U.S. policy on the Armenian Genocide – part of the presidential election political discourse, and the vital role Armenian American voters will play in California and traditionally swing states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, Florida, and other key states in the 2020 elections.
