My father, Sarkis Deli Sarkisian (aka Deli Sarkis) survived the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.
For almost one hundred years, successive governments in Turkey have denied that a genocide took place. Instead, they depict the Turkish population as helpless victims and the Armenians as vicious perpetrators. They have worked mightily to rewrite their shameful history during the years 1915-1923.
Acknowledgment of the Genocide by a world body did happen in 1985. Praise must be given to Benjamin Whitaker the great humanitarian and staunch supporter of minority rights.
He passed away this year in London.
In August 1985, Mr. Whitaker presented to the UN Sub-Commission the revised and updated report, qualifying the Armenian Genocide as an example of genocide in the 20th century. By a vote of 14 in favor, one against, and four abstentions, the Sub-Commission adopted the report.
Thank you, Mr. Whitaker, albeit posthumously, and all the members of the UN body who confirmed by their votes that the Armenian Genocide met the UN criteria for genocide.
