• Home
  • Archives
  • Contact Us
    • About
  • Reporters
  • Affiliates
  • Affiliate Support
  • Sports

Nebraska Radio Network

Nebraska News and Sports

  • Legislature & Government
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Agriculture
  • Husker Sports
  • All Topics
  • PostsComments
You are here: Home / Featured Stories / Nebraska Congressman pleased with official genocide declaration against ISIS (AUDIO)

Nebraska Congressman pleased with official genocide declaration against ISIS (AUDIO)

March 18, 2016 By Brent Martin

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry

The Obama Administration declares the Islamic State has committed genocide after Congress unanimously approves a resolution sponsored by a Nebraska Congressman.

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry says unanimous approval of his resolution provided a strong platform in discussions with Secretary of State John Kerry.

“From my perspective, my own dialogue with Secretary Kerry was one of urging and pleading to call this what it is, because the facts are clear, a genocide,” Fortenberry tells Nebraska Radio Network.

Fortenberry says his heart was uplifted when he heard the administration, after being hesitant to issue such a declaration, had formally denounced the Islamic State’s action as genocide, an attempt to wipe out Christians, Yezidis, and other ethnic and religious minorities in the Middle East.

“This is an invasion of the sacred space of humanity and it is inconsistent with an orderly and just world,” Fortenberry says. “That’s why this is so important.”

The Islamic State, also known as ISIS and ISIL, has engaged in the systematic destruction of ancient Christian, Yezidi, Shia Muslim, and even Sunni Muslim communities. Fortenberry sponsored a resolution condemning the terrorist group which passed the United States House of Representatives by a vote of 393-0.

Fortenberry serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations and is co-chair of the Religious Minorities of the Middle East Caucus. He represents America’s largest Yezidi community, which resides in Lincoln.

Secretary Kerry said a review by the State Department and U.S. intelligence determined that Yazidis, Christians and Shiite groups have been victims of genocide, crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing by the Islamic State. Kerry said the United States would support efforts to document atrocities committed by the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq for possible international prosecution.

The International Association of Genocide Scholars and the International Commission on Religious Freedom within the State Department have also condemned ISIS’ actions.

Fortenberry says an official designation of genocide carries weight.

“Once there is a political and economic and security settlement in the Middle East, it says that these ancient traditions must be given protection and the right to reintegrate back into their ancestral homeland.”

AUDIO:  Brent Martin reports [:50]

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google

Filed Under: Featured Stories, Legislature & Government, News

Ricketts, Erstad team up for “Live Well” initiative

Husker Spring Game tickets to go on sale February 6th

Husker women on the verge of a win streak

Huskers land walk-on commitment from Kearney QB

Huskers fall at Rutgers 76 to 69

More Big Red News

Featured Stories

Senator warns medical marijuana opponents: petition drive waits in the wings (AUDIO)

Attorney General cautions Nebraska against legalizing medical marijuana (AUDIO)

Legislative leaders see a lot to like in Gov. Ricketts’ proposals (AUDIO)

Gov. Ricketts reveals two-year spending plan, calls for property tax relief in State of the State address (AUDIO)

Turnover rate at Nebraska prisons drops (AUDIO)

TwitterFacebook

Husker Sports

Copeland suffers season-ending injury Saturday, ending his college career

Huskers Drop Third Straight, Falling to the Buckeyes 70-60

Ricketts, Erstad team up for “Live Well” initiative

Husker Spring Game tickets to go on sale February 6th

Husker women on the verge of a win streak

Get our news delivered to your inbox:

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Copyright © 2019 · Learfield News & Ag. LLC