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STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER TO THE ARMENIAN-CANADIAN COMMUNITY
ARMENPRESS
24 April, 2012
YEREVAN
YEREVAN, QPRIL 24, ARMENPRESS: Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper
declared a speech on 97th Commemoration of Armenian Genocide.
'On this day we remember the terrible loss of life during the demise
of the Ottoman Empire in 1915, and in particular the horrific suffering
endured by the Armenian people. Both houses of Parliament have adopted
resolutions referring to these events as "the first genocide of the
twentieth century." This is a day we acknowledge solemnly, not to
cast blame back into the distant past, but to guide us towards a
better future. It reminds us all why we must remain committed to
ensuring that today's world is one where respect for human rights
and democratic freedom prevails.Today, Canadians of Armenian and
Turkish origin live together, sharing our values of tolerance and
openness. We support efforts by Armenia and Turkey to seek a path
towards reconciliation including an open border, the establishment
of diplomatic relations and the implementation of a dialogue on the
events of 1915.On this day of remembrance, we praise those on both
sides who seek to achieve a common understanding with honesty and in
a spirit of goodwill.I join with you today in remembering the past
and in sharing hope for a future based on peace and mutual respect.'
ARMENPRESS
24 April, 2012
YEREVAN
YEREVAN, QPRIL 24, ARMENPRESS: Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper
declared a speech on 97th Commemoration of Armenian Genocide.
'On this day we remember the terrible loss of life during the demise
of the Ottoman Empire in 1915, and in particular the horrific suffering
endured by the Armenian people. Both houses of Parliament have adopted
resolutions referring to these events as "the first genocide of the
twentieth century." This is a day we acknowledge solemnly, not to
cast blame back into the distant past, but to guide us towards a
better future. It reminds us all why we must remain committed to
ensuring that today's world is one where respect for human rights
and democratic freedom prevails.Today, Canadians of Armenian and
Turkish origin live together, sharing our values of tolerance and
openness. We support efforts by Armenia and Turkey to seek a path
towards reconciliation including an open border, the establishment
of diplomatic relations and the implementation of a dialogue on the
events of 1915.On this day of remembrance, we praise those on both
sides who seek to achieve a common understanding with honesty and in
a spirit of goodwill.I join with you today in remembering the past
and in sharing hope for a future based on peace and mutual respect.'