Despite repeated statements properly characterizing the Armenian Genocide during his Senate career and a clear pledge stating that "As President, I will recognize the
Armenian Genocide," President Barack Obama issued an April
24th statement evading the proper characterization of the Armenian
Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of America
(ANCA).

ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian issued the following statement
regarding President Obama's April 24th statement:

"I join with all Armenian Americans in voicing our sharp
disappointment with President Obama's failure to honor his solemn
pledge to recognize the Armenian Genocide."

"In falling short of his repeated and crystal clear promises, which
reflected a thorough knowledge of the facts, the practical
implications, and the profound moral dimension of Armenian Genocide
recognition, the President chose, as a matter of policy, to allow
our nation's stand against genocide to remain a hostage to Turkey's
threats."

"The President's statement today represents a retreat from his
pledge and a setback to the vital change he promised to bring about
in how America confronts the crime of genocide."

"Genocide must be confronted unconditionally at the level of
American values and our common humanity. As Americans, we should
never allow the prevention or recognition of this crime to be
reduced to a political issue that can be traded away, retreated
from under pressure, or used to advance a political agenda, of any
kind."

"We urge the President to act quickly to correct his
Administration's stand on the Armenian Genocide by properly
condemning and commemorating this crime, removing Turkey's gag-rule
on its recognition by the United States, and working publicly
toward the adoption of the Armenian Genocide Resolution before
Congress," concluded Hachikian