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The text of Dole's April 24, 1996 statement follows:
"April 24, 1915 marks the beginning of the Armenian Genocide of
the Ottoman Empire. As you gather today to commemorate the 81st
anniversary of this crime against society, I want to pay tribute to
the victims of this tragedy. I also share with you the hope that
society will never again allow such brutal treatment of humanity.
"Though April 24 is the day singled out to mark this tragedy,
during the genocide some 1.5 million Armenians were subjected to
systematic extermination through a policy of deportation, torture,
starvation, and massacre, I join with the Armenian community in
mourning the dead and recalling the suffering and sacrifices of
the victims.
"I am proud to underscore my unwavering solidarity and support of the
acknowledgment of the 1915-1923 Armenian Genocide as a historical fact.
Unlike President Clinton, I have been for years willing to recognize the
First Genocide of the modern age. Until the recognition of the Genocide
suffered by Armenians receives universal acceptance, I stand with you in
your efforts to set right the record of the past.
"While today's occasion is a time for solemn reflection on the
suffering of the Armenian people, I also have a strengthened sense of
dedication for the independence of Armenia and self-determination for the
people of Nogorno-Karabagh. When the 1988 earthquake devastated Armenia,
I sponsored legislation which provided U.S. assistance to the victims. It
was my privilege to have visited Armenia in 1989 to better determine
enacting into law the largest allocation of U.S. assistance to Armenia
since independence. I authored the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act, which
is now law, which prohibits U.S. assistance to any country that blocks the
delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance. I have called on Turkey, which
is in violation of U.S. law because of its blockade of Armenia, to
unconditionally end this inhumane practice. My unwavering support for
continuing U.S. sanctions against Azerbaijian also testifies to my
commitment to Armenia and Karabagh's quest for justice, peace, and
security.
"I know that the future will be better. Most of you have ancestors who
were victims of the Genocide to whom all appeared lost. I too have
endured war and its devastations, and have learned from personal adversity
to move on. In addition to the genocide, Armenians were forced to live
under Communist misrule and repression. But you have lived to see your
children prosper in freedom and to witness the historic re-establishment
of an independent Armenia. I will never retreat from my commitment to a
strong and secure Armenia.
"On this 81st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, I know that we can
work together to prevent such crimes from recurring. As we remember the
past, let us also celebrate the heroic rebirth of the Armenian people."
(signed) Bob Dole.
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