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OBAMA AGAIN CALLS THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE "MEDS YEGHERN"
17:57, 24 April, 2013
YEREVAN, APRIL 24, ARMENPRESS: On April 24 U.S. President Barack Obama
has issued a statement on the occasion of 98th anniversary of Armenian
Genocide. As Armenpress was informed from Armenian National Committee
of America (ANCA), U.S. President again called the Armenian Genocide
"Meds Yeghern", refraining from the terms of Genocide.
Armenpress presents the statement by the U.S. President on Armenian
Remembrance Day:
"Today we commemorate the Meds Yeghern and honor those who perished
in one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century. Ninety-eight years
ago, 1.5 million Armenians were massacred or marched to their deaths in
the final days of the Ottoman Empire. We pause to reflect on the lives
extinguished and remember the unspeakable suffering that occurred. In
so doing, we are joined by millions across the world and in the United
States, where it is solemnly commemorated by our states, institutions,
communities, and families. We also remind ourselves of our commitment
to ensure that such dark chapters of history are not repeated.
I have consistently stated my own view of what occurred in 1915,
and my view has not changed. A full, frank, and just acknowledgement
of the facts is in all of our interests. Nations grow stronger
by acknowledging and reckoning with painful elements of the past,
thereby building a foundation for a more just and tolerant future. We
appreciate this lesson in the United States, as we strive to reconcile
some of the darkest moments in our own history. We recognize those
courageous Armenians and Turks who have already taken this path,
and encourage more to do so, with the backing of their governments,
and mine.
The history and legacy of the Armenian people is marked by
an indomitable spirit, and a great resiliency in the face of
tremendous adversity and suffering. The United States is stronger
for the contributions Armenian-Americans have made to our society,
our culture, and our communities. In small measure we return that
contribution by supporting the Armenian people as they work toward
building a nation that would make their ancestors proud: one that
cherishes democracy and respect for human liberty and dignity.
Today we stand with Armenians everywhere in recalling the horror of
the Meds Yeghern, honoring the memory of those lost, and affirming
our enduring commitment to the people of Armenia."
ANCA responded to President Obama's refusal to honor this pledge to
recognize the Armenian Genocide:
"Sadly, President Obama chose today not to lead, but rather to
follow Ankara's gag-rule on his Administration's condemnation and
commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. His public retreat, under
Turkish pressure, comes despite his own pledges to acknowledge
this crime and our government's record, dating back more than half
a century, of having recognized the Armenian Genocide as a clear
case of genocide," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "Our
President's complicity in Turkey's denial of truth and its ongoing
obstruction of justice will not derail our progress toward a truthful,
fair, and comprehensive international resolution of Turkey's still
unpunished crime against the Armenian nation."
17:57, 24 April, 2013
YEREVAN, APRIL 24, ARMENPRESS: On April 24 U.S. President Barack Obama
has issued a statement on the occasion of 98th anniversary of Armenian
Genocide. As Armenpress was informed from Armenian National Committee
of America (ANCA), U.S. President again called the Armenian Genocide
"Meds Yeghern", refraining from the terms of Genocide.
Armenpress presents the statement by the U.S. President on Armenian
Remembrance Day:
"Today we commemorate the Meds Yeghern and honor those who perished
in one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century. Ninety-eight years
ago, 1.5 million Armenians were massacred or marched to their deaths in
the final days of the Ottoman Empire. We pause to reflect on the lives
extinguished and remember the unspeakable suffering that occurred. In
so doing, we are joined by millions across the world and in the United
States, where it is solemnly commemorated by our states, institutions,
communities, and families. We also remind ourselves of our commitment
to ensure that such dark chapters of history are not repeated.
I have consistently stated my own view of what occurred in 1915,
and my view has not changed. A full, frank, and just acknowledgement
of the facts is in all of our interests. Nations grow stronger
by acknowledging and reckoning with painful elements of the past,
thereby building a foundation for a more just and tolerant future. We
appreciate this lesson in the United States, as we strive to reconcile
some of the darkest moments in our own history. We recognize those
courageous Armenians and Turks who have already taken this path,
and encourage more to do so, with the backing of their governments,
and mine.
The history and legacy of the Armenian people is marked by
an indomitable spirit, and a great resiliency in the face of
tremendous adversity and suffering. The United States is stronger
for the contributions Armenian-Americans have made to our society,
our culture, and our communities. In small measure we return that
contribution by supporting the Armenian people as they work toward
building a nation that would make their ancestors proud: one that
cherishes democracy and respect for human liberty and dignity.
Today we stand with Armenians everywhere in recalling the horror of
the Meds Yeghern, honoring the memory of those lost, and affirming
our enduring commitment to the people of Armenia."
ANCA responded to President Obama's refusal to honor this pledge to
recognize the Armenian Genocide:
"Sadly, President Obama chose today not to lead, but rather to
follow Ankara's gag-rule on his Administration's condemnation and
commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. His public retreat, under
Turkish pressure, comes despite his own pledges to acknowledge
this crime and our government's record, dating back more than half
a century, of having recognized the Armenian Genocide as a clear
case of genocide," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "Our
President's complicity in Turkey's denial of truth and its ongoing
obstruction of justice will not derail our progress toward a truthful,
fair, and comprehensive international resolution of Turkey's still
unpunished crime against the Armenian nation."