Armenian Foreign Ministry on Adoption of Resolution 296 by the House of Representatives

Armenia welcomes the adoption of Resolution 296 by the United States House of Representatives, which affirms the U.S. position on the Armenian Genocide. This resolution is of paramount importance as it insists on the official recognition and commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, rejects denialism, and encourages education and awareness-raising regarding the extermination of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923, as a clear example of genocide in the 20th century.

At that time, the people and leadership of the United States made significant efforts to respond to the atrocities committed against Armenians, saving lives and providing assistance to the survivors of the Armenian Genocide. Today, the United States is home to a strong and vibrant Armenian community, proud citizens of their homeland, who have made significant contributions to both the achievements and prosperity of the U.S. as well as the friendship between our two peoples.

This resolution pays tribute to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, demonstrates respect for their dignity, and marks the courage and resilience of the survivors of genocide. Armenia is deeply grateful to the members of the U.S. House of Representatives for their decisive and impressive votes in favor of Resolution 296, reflecting a profound commitment to the universal values of truth, justice, humanity, solidarity, and human rights.

This resolution is an important contribution to the efforts made by the international community to prevent new genocides and mass atrocities in various corners of the world, which continue to shake humanity’s conscience today. It sends a powerful message against the denial and justification of the evil of genocide, emphasizing the relevance of the lessons of the Armenian Genocide in the context of the current crimes against humanity.

Today we also express our profound gratitude to all other countries around the world for their past efforts in recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Armenia is firmly committed to continuing close cooperation with all its international partners to consistently and decisively build strong foundations and capacities aimed at preventing genocides and mass violations of human rights.