PRESIDENT SARGSYAN’S ADDRESS ON THE 95TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

armradio.am
24.04.2010 13:38

Dear compatriots,

Today is April 24h. Ninety-five years ago a grave and monstrous crime
was committed, which had had no precedent in the history of not only
the Armenian people, but also all humanity. The state machine of the
Ottoman Empire fulfilled its program of annihilation of Armenians
through its structures following specific orders. That day in 1915
divided the history of the Armenian people into two periods – before
and after.

1.5 million victims, people bereaved of their Homeland, destruction
of ancient culture – theis was the aftermath of a violent desire to
destroy the last traces of Armenians and turn this ideology into a
state policy.

The rest of the Armenian people that survived the Genocide were
expected to fail to get over the blow, assimilate on the five
continents, lose their national identity and ability to be a political
factor. But we, as a united nation, found the strength to return
to the international arena to say that we continue moving forward
resolute to prevent reoccurrence of similar crimes in the future.

We are grateful to all those in many countries of the world,
including Turkey, who realize the importance of preventing crimes
against humanity and support us in our struggle. The development of
this process has no alternative.

Dear compatriots, Today together with all Armenians I bow my head
respectfully before the memory of the innocent victims of the Armenian
Genocide. They entrusted us with living and creating for the sake of
kindness, beauty, Hoemland, our national hopes and all humanity. We
will never betray their memory and behest."