FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 29, 2007
Armenian Youth Federation, Eastern, US
80 Bigelow, Watertown, MA 02472
Contact: Anthony Deese
Tel: 267-249-1232

HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS THROUGHOUT THE NATION TO RALLY GENOCIDE DENIER ROBERT WEXLER IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Boca Raton, FL- In anticipation of the 2008 election race against genocide denier Cong. Robert Wexler (D-FL-19), the Armenian Youth Federation, Eastern Region, US is teaming up with other human rights group to organize a rally in Wexler's District on January 12th, 2008, voicing their dismay with Congressman's Wexler's refusal to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

"It is disappointing that the moral justice of genocide recognition is faced with ongoing denial through efforts like Congressman Wexler.  This matter is a black and white issue regardless of when and where it was committed," commented James Kzirian, AYF Eastern Region Central Executive Chairman.

The rally is in response to the growing sentiment of genocide denial by Cong. Wexler in Florida's 19th Congressional district and in support of Congressional candidate Dr. Benjamin Graber, who has called upon Cong. Wexler to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide.  "The American people can not and should not allow any state that commits genocide to erase it from history, otherwise we will be setting the course for it to happen again," commented Graber earlier this year at a function hosted by the Armenian National Committee of S. Florida. "Their horrific experience opened the door to the Jewish Holocaust and other genocides of that century," stated Graber. Dr. Graber is expected to be present and speak at the rally.

Cong. Wexler is the Co-Chair of Turkish Caucus and for years has opposed legislation pertaining to properly recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Cong. Wexler has twice voted against Armenian Genocide resolutions in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, voicing his concerns about H. Res. 316 in 2005 and H. Res. 106 in 2007. In late October, the AYF Providence Varantian Chapter protested Cong. Wexler during his visit and lecture at Brown University. "This is an issue that is not going to go away for those that deny genocide, especially those members in Congress who are on the wrong side of this issue," commented Providence AYF member Melissa Danielian.

The rally, which is to take place on Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 3:30 pm, is expected to attract human rights activists from throughout the country.  Current co-hosts include the Armenian National Committee of South Florida (ANC of S. FL) and the Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA). Exact location and bus information will be announced in the coming weeks and will be available by going to www.ayf.org.  For more information please e-mail the AYF Central Hai Tahd Council at  chtc@ayf.org.