25 April 2003
Bush Commends Armenians, Turks for "Spirit of Reconciliation"
(Presidential statement for Armenian Remembrance Day April 24) (460)
In a statement issued for Armenian Remembrance Day on April 24,
President Bush commended "our wise and bold friends from Armenia and
Turkey who are coming together in a spirit of reconciliation" in
considering the significance of the events of 1915 when Armenians were
killed or forced into exile during the final days of the Ottoman
Empire.
"I applaud them for rising above bitterness, and taking action to
create a better future. I wish them success, building on their recent
and significant achievements, as they work together in a spirit of
hope and understanding," he said.
Following is his statement:
(begin text)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
April 24, 2003
Armenian Remembrance Day, 2003
Today marks the anniversary of a horrible tragedy, the mass killings
and forced exile of countless Armenians in the final days of the
Ottoman Empire. Many Armenians refer to these appalling events as the
"great calamity," reflecting a deep sorrow that continues to haunt
them and their neighbors, the Turkish people. The suffering that
befell the Armenian people in 1915 is a tragedy for all humanity,
which the world should not forget. I join the Armenian-American
community and Armenians around the world in mourning the horrendous
loss of life.
I also salute our wise and bold friends from Armenia and Turkey who
are coming together in a spirit of reconciliation to consider these
events and their significance. I applaud them for rising above
bitterness, and taking action to create a better future. I wish them
success, building on their recent and significant achievements, as
they work together in a spirit of hope and understanding.
As we remember those who perished and suffered, we salute the nation
of Armenia, and Armenians everywhere. The United States is grateful
for the contributions of Armenian Americans to our national life.
Generations of Armenians have employed wisdom, courage, and
centuries-old traditions to overcome great suffering and enrich their
adopted American homeland.
The United States is proud to be a friend of Armenia, a young state
with an ancient heritage. We are deepening our partnership to help
achieve a secure, prosperous, and dignified future for the citizens of
Armenia. The United States is committed to achieving a just and
lasting settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We will also
continue to help Armenia as it strives to strengthen its democracy and
market economy.
On behalf of the American people, I send solemn wishes to the Armenian
people on this day of remembrance. Our nations stand together,
determined to create a future of peace, prosperity, and freedom for
the citizens of our countries, for our regions, and for the world.
GEORGE W. BUSH
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
