Text 4427, 62 rader
Skriven 2007-04-24 23:30:54 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0704242) for Tue, 2007 Apr 24
====================================================

===========================================================================
Presidential Message: Honoring Memory of 1.5 Million Armenian Lives Lost
During Ottoman Empire
===========================================================================

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 24, 2007

Presidential Message: Honoring Memory of 1.5 Million Armenian Lives Lost
During Ottoman Empire

˙˙White House News


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

# # #
===========================================================================
Return to this article at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/04/20070424-2.html

 * Origin: (1:3634/12)