For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 24, 2002
President's Message on Armenian Massacre
April 24, 2002
Today, we commemorate an appalling tragedy of the 20th century, the
massacre of as many as 1.5 million Armenians through forced exile and
murder at the end of the Ottoman Empire. These horrific killings left
wounds that remain painful for people in Armenia, in Turkey, and around
the world. I join the Armenian community in America and across the
globe in mourning this horrendous loss of life.
Today is an occasion for the world to reflect upon and draw lessons
from these terrible events. It is a day for recognizing that
demonizing others lays the foundation for a dark cycle of hatred.
Transcending this venomous pattern requires painful introspection about
the past and wise determination to forge a new future based on truth
and reconciliation. In this spirit, I look forward to Turkey restoring
economic, political, and cultural links with Armenia.
The United States greatly values the contributions that Armenians
make to our national life. With faith and courage, generations of
Armenians have overcome great suffering and proudly preserved their
centuries-old culture, traditions, and religion. The United States is
also deeply grateful for Armenia's swift and decisive cooperation in
the war against terrorism.
Just as the United States reached out to the Armenian people to
provide shelter and freedom early in the last century, so did Armenia
extend a supportive hand to the American people in the immediate
aftermath of September 11. Our two peoples stand together in this
fight in support of values that define civilization itself.
I am also very proud of America's strong support for a free
Armenian state, whose citizens enjoy the fruits of peace and increasing
prosperity. In the months to come, America will continue to increase
its security cooperation with Armenia and with Armenia's neighbors to
combat terrorism and pursue a lasting and just settlement to the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which will strengthen peace and stability in
the Caucasus. The United States will also continue its strong support
for Armenia's efforts to develop democratic and free market
institutions, and to deepen its integration into the Euro-Atlantic
community.
On behalf of the American people, I send warm wishes and
expressions of solidarity to the Armenian people on this solemn day of
remembrance. Together, our nations look with hope and determination
toward a future of peace, prosperity, and freedom.
GEORGE W. BUSH
# # #
|