PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AGAIN USED THE ARMENIAN TERM FOR THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MEDS YEGHERN
NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY
APRIL 27
WASHINGTON
In his just issued April 24, 2010 statement, President Barack Obama,
expanded on his 2009 statement, again used the Armenian term for the
Armenian Genocide Meds Yeghern. We present below the full text of
the president’s statement which is reported by "Erkirmedia" TV.
"On this solemn day of remembrance, we pause to recall that ninety-five
years ago one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century began. In
that dark moment of history, 1.5 million Armenians were massacred or
marched to their death in the final days of the Ottoman Empire. Today
is a day to reflect upon and draw lessons from these terrible events.
I have consistently stated my own view of what occurred in 1915, and
my view of that history has not changed. It is in all of our interest
to see the achievement a full, frank and just acknowledgment of the
facts. I salute the Turks who saved Armenians in 1915 and am encouraged
by the dialogue among Turks and Armenians, and within Turkey itself,
regarding this painful history. Together, the Turkish and Armenian
people will be stronger as they acknowledge their common history and
recognize their common humanity.
Even as we confront the inhumanity of 1915, we also are inspired by
the remarkable spirit of the Armenian people. While nothing can bring
back those who were killed in the Meds Yeghern. The contributions
that Armenians have made around the world over the last ninety-five
years stand as a testament to the strength, tenacity and courage of
the Armenian people and it is a lasting triumph over those who set
out to destroy them.
Many Armenians came to the United States as survivors of the horrors
of 1915. Over the generations Americans of Armenian descent have
richened our communities, spurred our economy, and strengthened
our democracy. The strong traditions and culture of Armenians also
became the foundation of a new republic which has become a part of
the community of nations, partnering with the world community to
build a better future.
Today, we pause with them and with Armenians everywhere to remember
the awful events of 1915 with deep admiration for their contributions
which transcend this dark past and give us hope for the future."