PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE: HONORING MEMORY OF 1.5 MILLION ARMENIAN LIVES LOST DURING OTTOMAN EMPIRE
Congressional Quarterly
CQ Federal Department and Agency Documents
REGULATORY INTELLIGENCE DATA
April 24, 2007 Tuesday
AGENCY: DEPARTMENT OF THE US WHITE HOUSE
SIC-MAJOR-GROUP: 09 – General Classification
CONTACT: 703-695-0192
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
From: Baghdasarian