Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), Aram Hamparian commented on the new resolution introduced to the U.S. Congress.

“A reading of the resolution’s text shows that it calls, very simply, upon the government of Turkey to honor its international obligations to return confiscated Christian church properties and fully respect the rights of all Christians, among them, of course, Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians, Pontians, and Arameans (Syriacs) who have lived for thousands of years in what is present-day Turkey,” Hamparian told Armenian Weekly.

“It’s adoption would add the powerful voice of the U.S. Congress - and the full moral authority of the American people - to the international defense of religious freedom for the Christian nations residing within the borders of present-day Turkey,” he said.

“Sadly, if history is any guide, we can look to the Turkish government to stridently oppose this effort to end faith-based discrimination, promote religious tolerance, and secure the rightful return of Christian churches,” Hamparian added.

A bipartisan group of U.S. legislators introduced two resolutions this week in support of a truthful and just resolution of the Armenian Genocide, including a new measure specifically pressing Turkey to fully respect the rights of Christians to practice their faith in freedom, including through the rightful return of confiscated churches to Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians, Pontians, Arameans (Syriacs) and other Christians communities.

The Resolution is supported by 31 Congressmen.