STEPHEN HARPER: WE HOPE VALUES OF TOLERANCE AND OPENNESS WILL GUIDE ARMENIA AND TURKEY IN DEVELOPING RELATIONS

PanARMENIAN.Net
29.04.2008 15:09 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Prime Minister of Canada, The Rt. Hon. Stephen
Harper issued a statement on the day of Commemoration of the
Armenian Genocide, the Armenian National Committee of Canada told
PanARMENIAN.Net.

The statement says:

"On this day we remember the terrible loss of life during the demise of
the Ottoman Empire in 1915, and in particular the horrific suffering
endured by the Armenian people. I have reminded all Canadians that
both Houses of Parliament have adopted resolutions recognizing the
first genocide of the twentieth century.

This is a day we acknowledge solemnly, not to cast blame back into
the distant past, but to guide us towards a better future. It reminds
us all of why we must remain committed to ensuring that today’s world
is one where respect for human rights and democratic freedom prevails.

Today, Canadians of Armenian and Turkish origin live together, sharing
our values of tolerance and openness. We hope that these same values
will guide Armenia and Turkey in developing their relations. On this
day of remembrance, we praise the individuals on both sides who are
courageously examining the historical events of this time to seek
to achieve a common understanding with honesty and in a spirit of
reconciliation.

I join with you today in remembering the past and in sharing hope
for a future based on peace and mutual respect."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress