NATIONAL ETHNIC PRESS AND
MEDIA COUNCIL OF CANADA.
Conseil National de la
press et medias ethnicques du Canada
Declaration
on the Atrmenian Genocide
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS,
from 1915 to 1923, 1.5 million Armenians were murdered by the Ottoman
Turkish government as part of a systematic program of genocide; and
WHEREAS,
Armenians were deprived of their homes, their dignity, their lands and
ultimately their lives; And
WHEREAS,
the Turkish government has not only avoided its responsibility for
officially recognizing the Armenian Genocide but has embarked on a
campaign of denial ; and
WHEREAS,
The Armenian Genocide lead to the emigration to Canada of tens of
thousands of Armenians who then contributed to Canadian society as a whole
and who also live and work across Canada; and
WHEREAS,
the Armenian Genocide has been acknowledged by Countries and international
bodies such as Argentina, Belgium, Canada, The Council of Europe, Cyprus,
The European Parliament, France, Great Britain, Greece, Lebanon,
Switzerland, Russia, The United Nations and Uruguay; and
WHEREAS,
it is critically important for Canadians to acknowledge what happened and
to teach present and future generations the history of Genocide in order
to prevent future genocides;
Now,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT The National Ethnic Press and Media Council
of Canada, in the name of Justice, cooperation, human rights, respect
among the nations and the peoples, RECOGNIZES THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE.
Calls
on upon the Federal Government of Canada to implement the June 13,2003,
Senate of Canada resolution, which calls for the recognition of the
Armenian Genocide, and request the Government of Canada affirms that and
also condemns any attempt by the Turkish Government to deny or distort
this historical truth as being anything less than genocide and a crime
against humanity. Also calls on upon the Provincial and Federal Government
of Canada to recognize this historical crime and to designate April 24th
of every year hereafter throughout Canada as a day of remembrance of the
1.5 million Armenians and all others who fell victims to the first
genocide and all other genocides of the twentieth century. Passed
unanimously, in Toronto this 12th day of January, 2004
