SOAD Members join Rep. Schiff, Akcam to discuss Genocide centennial

In a rare instance, the worlds of music, politics, academia and activism came together to call for justice and recognition ahead of the Armenian Genocide centennial.

Members of the Grammy Award winning System of a Down, Serj Tankian and John Dolmayan, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Turkish historian Taner Akcam and the Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America Aram Hamparian spoke of the global imperative for justice for the Armenian Genocide during a telephone press conference on Wednesday, Asbarez reports.

“Genocide is a disease that continues until today,” Tankian told reporters on April 1. “As Armenian-Americans and as band members who have had family members perish in this horrible tragedy, it’s important for us not just to raise awareness, but to help bring justice to this cause.”

Dr. Akacm, who is a history professor and the holder of the Robert Aram, Marianne Kaloosdian and Stephen and Marian Mugar Chair in Armenian Genocide Studies at Clark University in Worcester, Mass., said that pinning national interests against morality was wrong, thus faulting the US for failing to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide.

“By supporting a denialist regime, the United States contributes to instability not just in the region but here at home,” said Akcam, adding that by recognizing the Genocide, the US would guarantee security at home, since much of the current Middle East situation is predicated on the past.

“With only a handful of survivors left, we feel a moral obligation to speak the truth about the Genocide and ensure it is never forgotten,” said Schiff, who also announced that on April 22nd, for an entire hour on the House Floor, he will read names of Armenian Genocide victims.

“Turkey not only denies the truth of the crime, but also obstructs its justice,” said Hamparian in his introductory remarks.

“We want to see real peace between Turks and Armenians,” he said, adding that peace must be built on a foundation of truth and justice. Hamparian also explained how the ANCA has been pushing President Barack Obama to honor his 2008 pledge to recognize the Armenian Genocide, and working hard with Congress to end Turkey’s gag rule.