Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 775-1918
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PRESS RELEASE
April 24, 2007
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
PRESIDENT BUSH FAILS TO RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE, AGAIN
WASHINGTON, DC – In his annual April 24th statement, President
George W. Bush today again resorted to the use of evasive and
euphemistic terminology to obscure the full moral, historical, and
contemporary legal implications of Turkey’s genocide against the
Armenian people between 1915-1923, reported the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA).
"Armenian Americans appreciate President Bush’s willingness to join
with Armenians around the world by speaking out on this solemn
occasion, but remain deeply troubled that he missed yet another
opportunity to speak with moral clarity about the Armenian Genocide
and to bring America back to the right side of this key human
rights issue," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.
The President’s statement comes as Congressional support for
Armenian Genocide legislation reaches an all-time high. Over 190
House Members have cosponsored H.Res.106, introduced by Rep. Adam
Schiff (D-CA) and spearheaded by Reps. George Radanovich (R-CA),
Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), Brad Sherman (D-CA)
and Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI). The Senate Resolution (S.Res.106),
introduced by Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. John Ensign (R-
NV) has 30 cosponsors including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
(D-NV).
In February of 2000, then presidential candidate George W. Bush,
campaigning for votes among Armenian voters in the Michigan
Republican primary, pledged to properly characterize the genocidal
campaign against the Armenian people. In his statements as
President, he has consistently avoided any clear reference to the
Armenian Genocide, and his Administration has consistently opposed
legislation marking this crime against humanity.
The text of the President’s remarks is provided below.
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The White House
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Presidential Message: Honoring Memory of 1.5 Million Armenian Lives
Lost During Ottoman Empire
April 24, 2007
Each year on this day, we pause to remember the victims of one of
the greatest tragedies of the 20th century, when as many as 1.5
million Armenians lost their lives in the final years of the
Ottoman Empire, many of them victims of mass killings and forced
exile. I join my fellow Americans and Armenian people around the
world in commemorating this tragedy and honoring the memory of the
innocent lives that were taken. The world must never forget this
painful chapter of its history.
All who cherish freedom and value the sanctity of human life look
back on these horrific events in sorrow and disbelief. Many of
those who survived were forced from their ancestral home and spread
across the globe. Yet, in the midst of this terrible struggle, the
world witnessed the indomitable spirit and character of the
Armenian people. Many of the brave survivors came to America, where
they have preserved a deep connection with their history and
culture. Generations of Armenians in the United States have
enriched our country and inspired us with their courage and
conviction.
Today, we remember the past and also look forward to a brighter
future. We commend the individuals in Armenia and Turkey who are
working to normalize the relationship between their two countries.
A sincere and open examination of the historic events of the late-
Ottoman period is an essential part of this process. The United
States supports and encourages those in both countries who are
working to build a shared understanding of history as a basis for a
more hopeful future.
We value the strong and vibrant ties between the United States and
Armenia. Our Nation is grateful for Armenia’s contributions to the
war on terror, particularly for its efforts to help build a
peaceful and democratic Iraq. The United States remains committed
to working with Armenia and Azerbaijan to promote a peaceful
settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We are also working to
promote democratic and economic reform in Armenia that will advance
the cause of freedom and justice.
Laura and I express our deepest condolences to Armenian people
around the world on this solemn day of remembrance. We stand
together in our determination to build a more peaceful, more
prosperous, and more just world.
GEORGE W. BUSH